PROPOSAL 1THE MERGER
The discussion of the Merger in this proxy statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which is
attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. You should read the Merger Agreement carefully as it is the legal document that governs the Merger.
The Parties to the Merger
Artio Global Investors Inc.
Artio Global Investors Inc. and its subsidiaries are an asset management company that provides active investment
management services to institutional and mutual fund clients. Artio Global and its subsidiaries offer a select group of investment strategies, including High Grade, Fixed Income, High Yield, International Equity and Global Equity. Artio
Globals Class A common stock trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ART.
The location of Artio
Globals principal executive offices is 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, 10017; its telephone number is (212) 297-3600; and its internet website address is
www.artioglobal.com
. The information provided on or accessible
through Artio Globals website is not part of this proxy statement and is not incorporated in this proxy statement by this or any other reference to its website provided in this proxy statement.
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC is a global asset management group that provides active investment advice across the main investment strategies of equities, fixed income and property. Aberdeens
business is complemented by a solutions business, which provides multi-asset and fund of alternatives services. Aberdeens common stock is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ADN.
The location of Aberdeens principal executive offices is 10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB10 1YG; its telephone
number is +44 (0) 1224 631999; and its internet website address is
www.aberdeen-asset.com
. The information provided on or accessible through Aberdeens website is not part of this proxy statement and is not
incorporated in this proxy statement by this or any other reference to its website provided in this proxy statement.
Guardian
Acquisition Corporation
Aberdeen formed Guardian Acquisition Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Aberdeen, on February 12, 2013, solely for the purpose of facilitating Aberdeens acquisition of Artio Global. Merger Subsidiary has not carried on any activities to date, except for activities incidental to its formation and activities
undertaken in connection with the Merger Agreement. Upon consummation of the proposed Merger, Merger Subsidiary will merge with and into Artio Global and will cease to exist.
The location of Merger Subsidiarys principal executive offices is 10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen, Scotland, AB10 1YG; and its telephone number is +44 (0) 1224 631999.
Background of the Merger
Artio Globals Board of Directors and senior management regularly review and assess industry conditions, as well as Artio Globals operations, financial performance and long-term planning with
the goal of maximizing shareholder value. As part of this process, the Board and senior management consider potential opportunities to improve Artio Globals stand-alone performance, as well as potential business combinations, mergers,
acquisitions and other financial and strategic alternatives.
On September 15, October 24 and December 7,
2011, the Board held meetings and invited certain members of Artio Globals senior management to attend. During the course of those meetings, Richard Pell, the then-CEO of Artio Global, provided an update on the performance of Artio
Globals flagship International Equity funds and
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clients, which we collectively refer to as the IE Strategies. Mr. Pell and the Board reviewed the various challenges then faced by Artio Global, including, among other
challenges, the following points:
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the IE Strategies (which had historically constituted a substantial majority of Artio Globals total assets under management, which we refer to as
AUM) had significantly underperformed their benchmarks for 11 consecutive quarters and were near the bottom of their peer groups over the preceding 3- and 5-year periods, making it far more difficult for the IE Strategies to raise
new money in the near future, as it would likely take years of outperformance to attract additional investment;
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as a result of this persistent and significant underperformance of the IE Strategies and other related factors, Artio Global had suffered firm-wide net
client cash outflows totaling approximately $11.9 billion (approximately $11.2 billion of which was from AUM of the IE Strategies) in the first three quarters of 2011, or approximately 22.4% of the firm-wide AUM as of the beginning of 2011, and
faced the prospect of substantial, if not increasing, AUM outflows if this performance trend was not reversed;
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Artio Global had suffered reputational harm due to the persistent underperformance of its flagship products, including increased concerns among
institutional investors and their advisors or gatekeepers (whose support is deemed to be critical in winning institutional business), about the overall stability and continuity of Artio Globals business and organization;
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as a result of the foregoing and other factors, Artio Global faced challenges and increased costs in retaining quality portfolio managers, distribution
personnel and other employees;
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as a result of, among other things, the significant reduction in AUM and revenue run-rate and higher compensation and retention costs as a proportion
of revenues, Artio Global likely would start to incur net losses and/or negative cash flows in the next one or two fiscal years, and might need to implement further cost-reduction measures in the near future (in addition to Artio Globals staff
reduction in September 2011, which had included its then-President and General Counsel); and
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as a result of, among other things, the foregoing factors and due to resulting concerns about the stability of the organization, Artio Global faced
challenges in raising money from institutional investors for its fixed income business.
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At the
October 24, 2011 Board meeting, Frank Harte, the Chief Financial Officer of Artio Global, also provided an update on Artio Globals initial financial projections for 2012, noting, among other things, that, under certain scenarios, Artio
Global might incur a net loss on an adjusted basis during the second half of 2012. The Board and senior management discussed the persistent underperformance of IE Strategies, the various other challenges noted by Mr. Pell and the related
effects on Artio Globals potential future performance. Mr. Pell noted that Artio Global had recently received an update from Goldman Sachs on the current mergers and acquisitions environment in the asset management sector and potential
strategic alternatives available to Artio Global. The Board generally discussed potential ways to structure an exploration of strategic alternatives available to Artio Global, but the Board did not reach a decision on these matters. The Board noted
that, were it to explore potential strategic alternatives, the need for confidentiality would be paramount, given the potential impact on clients and staff and the risk of material loss of AUM were a leak to occur in light of the perception of
instability that a change of control normally creates among investors. The Board directed senior management to continue to discuss informally with Goldman Sachs the range of potential strategic alternatives available to Artio Global.
On October 27, 2011, Artio Global reported its results for the third fiscal quarter of 2011. Among other things, Artio Global
reported that, for the third quarter of 2011, adjusted net income had decreased by 32% and 33%, respectively, relative to the second quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2010.
At the December 7, 2011 Board meeting, which was also attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk & Wardwell
LLP, which we refer to as Davis Polk, Mr. Harte reviewed Artio Globals business performance to date and discussed the expectation that client redemptions would continue and likely would accelerate in the first half of 2012 due
to a third year of underperformance in IE Strategies and significant deterioration in performance during the second half of 2011. At the request of the Board, representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a presentation concerning potential strategic
alternatives available to Artio Global.
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Representatives of Davis Polk, outside counsel to Artio Global, reviewed with the Board the directors fiduciary duties as well as the terms and conditions of the TRA, which was a
longstanding contract among Artio Global, Mr. Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, Artio Globals then-head of International and Global Equities. For a description of the TRA, please see Certain Relationships And Related Person Transactions
Related Person Transactions Tax Receivable Agreement. The Board and its advisors discussed the possible implications of the TRA on Artio Globals consideration of potential strategic transactions, including the potential for
actual or perceived conflicts of interest on the part of Messrs. Pell and Younes (in particular as relates to the provision, which we refer to as the TRA Change of Control Provision, in the TRA providing that, following a change of
control of Artio Global, the successor entity is assumed to have sufficient taxable income to utilize all historic Artio Global tax assets, which we refer to as the Sufficient Income Assumption, thus ensuring for Messrs. Pell and Younes
the maximum amount of payments they might otherwise be entitled to under the TRA, irrespective of whether the successor entity had sufficient taxable income to use all such assets during this period). The Board discussed the merits and
considerations of forming a special committee, consisting of only independent directors, that would be responsible for managing a review of potential strategic alternatives. After discussions, the Board directed Robert Jackson, Duane Kullberg and
Francis Ledwidge, three independent directors of the Board, to convene a meeting on December 8, 2011 with representatives of Davis Polk to further discuss these matters and possible next steps.
On December 8, 2011, Messrs. Jackson, Kullberg and Ledwidge met with representatives of Davis Polk. The attendees discussed the
potential formation of a special committee of independent directors to oversee the consideration of Artio Globals potential strategic alternatives. Representatives of Davis Polk reviewed, among other things, the directors fiduciary
duties, the terms of the TRA and the potential composition, scope of authority and responsibilities of a special committee in the consideration of potential strategic alternatives. The three independent directors agreed to discuss further the
possible formation of a special committee with the full Board at a forthcoming meeting.
On December 12, 2011, Artio
Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $32.7 billion as of November 30, 2011, down from $36.2 billion as of October 31, 2011. During October and November, 2011, the IE Strategies had suffered net client cash outflows totaling
approximately $3.2 billion.
On December 14, 2011, the Board held a telephonic meeting attended by Mr. Harte and Tony
Williams, the then-Chief Operating Officer and President of Artio Global, and representatives of Davis Polk at the Boards invitation. Messrs. Jackson, Kullberg and Ledwidge reviewed with the Board the merits and considerations of the formation
of a strategic review committee to manage and oversee a potential review of strategic alternatives. Following discussion, the Board unanimously approved the formation of the Committee, consisting of Messrs. Jackson, Kullberg and Ledwidge, each of
whom the Board determined was disinterested and free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, could interfere with such directors exercise of independent judgment. The Board unanimously adopted resolutions authorizing the
Committee to, among other things, (i) review and evaluate potential strategic alternatives available to Artio Global; (ii) engage legal, financial, and other advisors; (iii) solicit expressions of interest from potential
counterparties, were the Committee to conclude that it was in the best interest of Artio Globals stockholders to do so; (iv) negotiate and evaluate the terms of any potential strategic transactions; and (v) supervise Artio
Globals senior management in connection with the Committees evaluation and negotiation of any potential strategic transactions. The Board authorized the Committee to negotiate and recommend a potential strategic alternative if the
Committee believed such strategic alternative was in the best interests of Artio Global, and the Board resolved that it would not approve a potential strategic alternative without the recommendation of the Committee.
Later on December 14, 2011, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at
the Committees invitation. Members of the Committee discussed the engagement of financial and legal advisors, including their views that, given the rapidly deteriorating IE Strategies and the various other challenges facing Artio Global, there
was significant value in engaging advisors who knew Artio Global well. The Committee reviewed the services provided to, and fees earned from, Artio Global and certain of its significant shareholders by each of Davis Polk and Goldman Sachs. The
Committee then met in executive session and, following discussion, determined that (i) there were no material conflicts that would impair the ability of Davis Polk or Goldman Sachs to provide the Committee with independent advice; and
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that (ii) there was significant value to engaging advisors who knew Artio Global well. The Committee unanimously determined to engage Davis Polk and Goldman Sachs as its legal and financial
advisors, respectively, subject to reaching a satisfactory arrangement with each of them as to their compensation. The Committee also determined to monitor whether it would be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders to engage a
second investment bank to act as a co-financial advisor depending on, among other things, the extent of any work performed by Goldman Sachs for any prospective acquirer or transaction counterparty. The Committee also discussed the benefits of
approaching a significant institutional shareholder of Artio Global, which we refer to as the Significant Shareholder, to determine its potential interest in the sale of its equity interest and/or in engaging in an acquisition of Artio
Global. The Committee determined that it was in the best interests of Artio Global and its public shareholders to do so given, among other things, the Significant Shareholders familiarity with Artio Global (and resulting ability to respond
quickly) and the Committees view that any other potential buyers likely would want to know the Significant Shareholders position on these matters before investing time and resources to explore a potential transaction. The Committee
determined to request that Mr. Pell contact the Significant Shareholder to initiate related discussions but not to discuss potential price or other terms without the Committees express further authorization. The Committee also discussed
the importance of continuing to explore opportunities to improve the value of Artio Global on a stand-alone basis as no decision had been reached on the potential sale of Artio Global.
On December 16, 2011, at the direction of the Committee, Mr. Pell approached a senior executive of the Significant Shareholder
to solicit its views on a potential transaction involving Artio Global. The senior executive stated that the Significant Shareholder might be interested in evaluating the merits of such a transaction, but that the Significant Shareholder needed to
review certain non-public information before it could respond in a meaningful way.
On December 16, 2011, the Board held a
telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Harte and Williams and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Boards invitation. Mr. Pell and representatives of Goldman Sachs reported to the Board on the discussions with the senior
executive of the Significant Shareholder. The Board then excused Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and discussed materials provided by senior management, at the Committees request, concerning the business challenges currently facing Artio
Global and the related timing of those pressures. Following discussion, the Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determined that it was in the best interests of Artio Global and its public shareholders to structure a strategic
review process in a manner that would provide a timely review of alternatives and minimize the risk of any leaks. The Committee members determined to move quickly in their discussions with the Significant Shareholder and, if thereafter desirable, to
approach a limited number of other potential bidders in order to maintain confidentiality and mitigate the significant risk of further client assets being withdrawn from funds managed by Artio Global and the loss of key employees. The Committee
members instructed Davis Polk to negotiate the terms of a confidentiality agreement with the Significant Shareholder. Davis Polk advised the directors on their fiduciary duties concerning their deliberations on the foregoing matters. Messrs. Pell,
Harte and Williams were then invited to rejoin the meeting, and the Board discussed Artio Globals stand-alone business plan and instructed Artio Globals senior management to perform an analysis of Artio Globals ability to improve
its financial performance on a stand-alone basis.
On December 19, 2011, the Committee held a telephonic meeting,
which Mr. Harte and Davis Polk attended at the Committees invitation, to discuss potential terms for the engagement of Goldman Sachs to serve as the Committees financial advisor.
On December 22, 2011, the Committee held a telephonic meeting with Mr. Harte and Davis Polk in attendance at the
Committees request. Members of the Committee discussed potential terms for the engagement of Goldman Sachs and the process more generally.
On December 23, 2011, Artio Global and the Significant Shareholder entered into a confidentiality agreement in order to facilitate the provision of non-public information to it.
On December 29, 2011, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Harte and Williams and representatives from Goldman
Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. The Committee discussed the potential terms of the engagement of Goldman Sachs. The Committee reviewed with
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Messrs. Williams and Harte senior managements progress on the development of Artio Globals stand-alone business plan. Mr. Harte discussed with the Committee the need to
formulate and implement further cost-reductions in order to maintain profitability on a stand-alone basis. The Committee and its advisors also discussed the universe of potential buyers, whether such buyers might be interested in pursuing a
transaction with Artio Global, and the impact of other ongoing sale processes in the asset management industry on the attractiveness of Artio Global as a potential acquisition candidate.
On January 4, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the
Committees invitation. The Committee reviewed the discussions with the Significant Shareholder, including indications from the Significant Shareholder that, if any proposal by it to acquire Artio Global were not attractive to Artio Global, the
Significant Shareholder would be willing to consider the sale of its interest in Artio Global in connection with the sale of the entire Artio Global to another bidder on more favorable terms. Representatives of Goldman Sachs reviewed with the
Committee an initial group of five potential strategic buyers (other than the Significant Shareholder), which represented, in Goldman Sachss view, entities that potentially would have the financial capability and interest in exploring a
transaction with Artio Global. The Committee instructed Goldman Sachs to contact representatives of these companiesreferred to herein as Party A, Party B, Party C, Party D and Party E, respectivelyto propose management-level meetings.
The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to attend any such meetings in order to ensure that any discussions between potential buyers and senior management did not include discussion of the terms of continued employment of employees of Artio Global or
the TRA.
Following the January 4, 2012 Committee meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the Committees
direction, contacted representatives of each of Parties A through E. Between January 10 and 19, 2012, Artio Global entered into confidentiality agreements, which included customary standstill provisions, with Parties A-D. Throughout
January, at the Committees direction, members of the senior management of Artio Global and representatives of Goldman Sachs held meetings and teleconferences with representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Parties A-D to permit such
entities to conduct confidential due diligence and facilitate the potential buyers respective evaluations of a potential transaction with Artio Global.
On January 10, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. Representatives of Goldman Sachs updated the
Committee on the status of communications with potential buyers.
On January 12, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic
meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. The Committee and its advisors discussed, among other things, the TRA, including the TRA Change of Control Provisions and the potential impact of
the TRA on discussions with certain potential buyers of Artio Global. Representatives of Goldman Sachs also provided an update on the status of communications with potential buyers.
Also on January 12, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $30.4 billion as of December 31, 2011, down from
$32.7 billion as of November 30, 2011. During December, 2011, the IE Strategies had suffered net client cash outflows of approximately $1.6 billion.
On January 23, 2012, the Board held a regularly scheduled telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Harte and Williams and representatives of Davis Polk at the Boards invitation. The Board and
Artio Globals senior management discussed Artio Globals stand-alone business plan and updated financial projections for 2012. The Board discussed possible strategies for improving Artio Globals financial health and prospects on a
stand-alone basis, including potential key personnel changes. The Board also discussed a request by certain product teams at Artio Global (other than the IE Strategies and the Global Equity strategies) for enhanced change-of-control severance
protections. The Board determined that approving the request would be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders because of the importance of those product teams to Artio Globals financial performance, prospects, and valuation,
and approved certain severance protections for these product teams given the risk of their departure without these protections and the potential for further AUM losses were such key person departures to occur.
On January 23, 2012, representatives of Party A informed Goldman Sachs that it was no longer interested in exploring a possible
transaction with Artio Global.
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On January 26, 2012, Artio Global reported its results for the fourth fiscal quarter
and the full year of 2011. Among other things, Artio Global reported that, (i) for the fourth quarter of 2011, adjusted net income had decreased by 64% relative to the fourth quarter of 2010, and (ii) for the full year 2011, adjusted net
income had decreased by 29% relative to the full year 2010. Artio Global also reported that, during the full year of 2011, the IE Strategies had aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $16.0 billion, or approximately 38% of the AUM of IE
Strategies at the beginning of 2011. For the full year of 2011, according to Lipper Rankings, the performance of Artio Global International Equity Fund (Class I shares), which we refer to as IE 1, and Artio Global International Equity II
Fund (Class I shares), which we refer to as IE 2, ranked in the bottom 100th and 99th percentile, respectively, among their peer mutual funds (as defined by Lipper Ranking).
Also on January 27, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and representatives
from Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs reported on the status of discussions with potential buyers, including the fact that Party A and Party E had decided not to explore further a
potential transaction with Artio Global. The Committee also discussed the merits and consideration of whether to contact additional potential buyers and determined that it was in the best interests of Artio Global and its public shareholders to wait
until the potential buyers who already had been contacted provided more definitive responses, given the risk that any leaks of a possible change of control would pose to Artio Globals AUM and its financial condition.
Between January 27 and 29, 2012, representatives of Party C and Party E informed Goldman Sachs that their respective companies were
no longer interested in exploring a possible transaction with Artio Global.
On January 29, 2012, Artio Global requested
that each of Party B, Party D and the Significant Shareholder provide a specific proposal to acquire Artio Global on or before February 6, 2012.
On February 1, 2012, representatives of Party D informed Goldman Sachs that it was no longer interested in exploring a possible transaction with Artio Global.
On February 3, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and representatives from
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. Representatives of Goldman Sachs updated the Committee on the status of discussions with potential buyers, including the fact that only the Significant Shareholder and Party B continued
to express interest in exploring a possible transaction with Artio Global. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a summary of the reasons given by potential buyers who had decided not to continue to explore a potential transaction with Artio
Global, including the past and expected performance of IE Strategies, the rapid decline in AUM, the concern that potentially significant AUM outflows would continue for some time and the incompatibility of Artio Globals investment strategies
with the respective strategies of the potential buyers. In particular, potential buyers cited an inability to determine where the AUM of the IE Strategies would bottom out and, as a result, they were unwilling to pursue a transaction
with Artio Global. The Committee and its advisors discussed whether to contact other potential buyers, including a list of additional potential buyers identified by Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs identified a subset of these buyers that, in Goldman
Sachss view, were most likely to be interested in a potential transaction with Artio Global, based on, among other things, such buyers distribution capabilities, and the availability of potential synergies and cost-saving opportunities
from a transaction. The Committee discussed the risk of a leak associated with approaching additional buyers and the potential damages of such a leak to Artio Global. Representatives of Goldman Sachs then informed the Committee that, during the
Committees meeting, representatives of the Significant Shareholder had advised Goldman Sachs that the Significant Shareholder was no longer interested in pursuing a possible transaction with Artio Global because of, among other reasons, its
skepticism as to the ability to retain international equity AUM given the past investment performance of, and recent asset outflows from, IE Strategies and its belief that it would realize very limited synergies and cost saving opportunities in a
possible transaction.
The Committee then excused Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams from the meeting and discussed with its
advisors the impact of the Significant Shareholders decision not to continue discussions. The Committee determined that it would be in the best interests of Artio Global and its public shareholders to contact four additional potential buyers
from the list of buyers identified by Goldman Sachs who were, in the opinion of the Committee, the most likely parties to be interested in a possible acquisition of Artio Global and to do so in a manner that was least likely to result in a leak
about the Committees consideration of the potential sale of Artio Global.
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On February 6, 2012, representatives of Party B informed Goldman Sachs that it had
decided not to pursue a potential transaction with Artio Global because their analysis did not support the valuation level at which Artio Global was trading in the public markets at the time. Later on February 6, 2012, members of the Committee
directed Goldman Sachs to reach out to the four additional potential buyers identified at the February 3, 2012 Committee meeting regarding a potential transaction with Artio Global.
During the week of February 6, 2012, at the Committees direction, representatives of Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of
the four additional potential buyers and held initial discussions with each of them regarding a potential transaction with Artio Global.
On February 9, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation.
Representatives of Goldman Sachs updated the Committee on the status of discussions with the four additional potential buyers identified at the February 3, 2012 Committee meeting. The members of the Committee discussed the reasons given by
prior potential buyers who had decided to cease exploring a transaction with Artio Global, including, among other things, the fact that the financial analyses conducted by certain of these entities had failed to yield a per-share valuation higher
than the then current market price of Artio Globals shares. The Committee discussed, among other things, whether potential buyers might be interested in acquiring a minority interest in Artio Global. The Committee then excused Messrs. Pell,
Harte and Williams from the meeting and discussed certain considerations relating to the TRA.
Between February 7 and
February 15, 2012, representatives of the four additional potential buyers identified at the February 3, 2012 Committee meeting informed Goldman Sachs that their respective companies were not interested in pursuing a potential transaction
with Artio Global.
On February 10, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $29.0 billion as of
January 31, 2012, down from $30.4 billion as of December 31, 2011. During January, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered net client cash outflows of approximately $3.0 billion.
On February 16, 2012, the Committee held a meeting attended by Elizabeth Buse, an independent member of the Board, Messrs. Pell and
Harte, and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. Representatives of Goldman Sachs reported that all four of the additional potential buyers identified at the February 3, 2012 Committee meeting had
informed Goldman Sachs that they were not interested in pursuing a potential transaction with Artio Global given, among other things, market conditions, the incompatibility of Artio Global with the respective potential buyers, the potential
buyers evaluation of Artio Globals customer base and future uncertainties related to IE Strategies. Goldman Sachs also reported that the Significant Shareholder had stated that it had received an inquiry from a third party concerning the
potential acquisition of the Significant Shareholders ownership in Artio Global, that the Significant Shareholder had inquired whether such third party would be interested in exploring the potential acquisition of Artio Global, and that such
third party had stated that it was not interested in exploring a potential acquisition of Artio Global. Following this discussion, the Committee determined that, considering, among others, the risks associated with a potential leak of Artio
Globals ongoing strategic review and the perceived unlikelihood that other potential buyers in the market might be interested in exploring a potential transaction and presenting an offer that would represent attractive value for Artio
Globals stockholders, it would not be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders at that point in time to reach out to additional potential buyers. The Committee then met in executive session with Ms. Buse and
Davis Polk.
On April 12, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $26.6 billion as of March 31,
2012, down from $29.0 billion as of January 31, 2012. During February and March, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $3.4 billion. During the first quarter of 2012, the IE Strategies had
suffered net client cash outflows of approximately $6.4 billion, or approximately 33% of the AUM of IE Strategies at the beginning of the quarter.
On April 26, 2012, Artio Global announced that, during the first quarter of 2012, its adjusted net income was $6.5 million, a decrease of 35% and 73%, respectively, relative to its adjusted net
income in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2011.
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During the period between April and June 24, 2012, in light of, among other things, the
notable absence of new clients despite various marketing efforts, the continued and substantial decline of Artio Globals AUM and the deterioration of its overall business, the Committee instructed Goldman Sachs and Artio Globals senior
management to attempt to identify other potential buyers that might be interested in a strategic transaction with Artio Global (subject to the Committees direction to continue to keep such work confidential in light of the Committees
assessment of the risk of leaks). The Committee also directed Goldman Sachs and Artio Globals senior management to keep the Committee informed of any significant developments. During this period, Artio Global and Goldman Sachs received inbound
inquiries from representatives of four additional potential strategic buyers, including two companies referred to herein as Party F and Party G, respectively, and Goldman Sachs contacted five additional potential strategic buyers. Other than Party F
and Party G, each of the other seven of these potential buyers declined to pursue a potential transaction with Artio Global after preliminary discussions with Artio Global and its advisors. Accordingly, the Committee did not deem it necessary to
convene a formal meeting to discuss the potential sale of Artio Global between April and June 24, 2012.
On May 10,
2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $24.9 billion as of April 30, 2012, down from $26.6 billion as of March 31, 2012. During April, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of
approximately $1.4 billion.
On June 4, 2012, at the Committees direction, Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte had
teleconferences with senior executives of Party F and discussed the business of Artio Global. At the direction of the Committee, Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte did not discuss with Party F any employment arrangements or understanding concerning
Mr. Pell or other personnel of Artio Global nor did they discuss the TRA.
On June 8 and June 12, 2012,
respectively, Artio Global entered into customary confidentiality agreements (which included customary standstill provisions) with Party F and Party G.
In the weeks following the execution of the confidentiality agreements, Party F and Party G conducted confidential and detailed due diligence of Artio Global, including meetings and teleconferences with
members of Artio Globals senior management and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk.
On June 12, 2012,
Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $21.8 billion as of May 31, 2012, down from $24.9 billion as of April 30, 2012. During May, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $1.6
billion.
On June 25, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis
Polk at the Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update on the status of communications with potential buyers. The Committee also discussed the TRA and its potential impact on Artio Globals valuation and
the Committees consideration of potential strategic alternatives. After discussions, the Committee determined to invite Party F and Party G to submit indications of interest concerning a potential transaction with Artio Global.
On June 27, 2012, Artio Global requested that Party F and Party G submit proposals to acquire Artio Global on or before July 9,
2012.
On June 28, 2012, representatives of Party G informed Artio Global that Party G was no longer interested in
pursuing a transaction with Artio Global.
On July 3, 2012, Party F delivered to Goldman Sachs a preliminary, non-binding
written indication of interest in which Party F offered to acquire Artio Global for $3.75 per share of Artio Globals Class A common stock, comprised of $1.50 in cash and approximately $2.25 in Party F common stock. The proposal
represented a premium of approximately 20% over the average trading price of Artio Globals stock in the preceding 30 days. Party Fs proposal contained various other terms and conditions, including (i) that Artio Global grant Party F
a 30-day period of exclusivity during which Artio Global would negotiate only with Party F (ii) that Party F would enter into retention agreements with certain unspecified Artio Global employees, and (iii) that Party F would enter into
voting agreements with significant Artio Global shareholders.
At or around this period of time, at the Committees
direction, representatives of Goldman Sachs reached out again to representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Party B, the two entities with which Artio Global
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had previously had contact and which had declined to pursue an acquisition of Artio Global due to the then-current market price of Artio Globals common stock, in light of the stock price
decrease since those discussions. Representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Party B informed Goldman Sachs that they remained uninterested in pursuing a potential transaction with Artio Global.
On July 5, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the
Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs made a presentation summarizing, among other things, Artio Globals discussions with 18 potential buyers since late 2011. The Goldman Sachs representatives noted that Party F was the
only buyer that continued to express interest in a potential transaction with Artio Global and reviewed the reasons given by potential buyers (other than Party F) for declining to pursue discussions concerning a potential transaction, which reasons
included, among other things, Artio Globals past financial performance, its declining AUM, the risks that a transaction would trigger further losses in AUM and the continued and rapid deterioration of Artio Globals business. The
representatives of Goldman Sachs also confirmed that the Significant Shareholder and Party B remained uninterested in exploring a potential transaction with Artio Global. The Committee considered whether to reach out to any other potential buyers
that had previously been contacted and concluded that, in light of the reasons previously provided by such buyers for declining to engage in discussions, coupled with the fact that conditions at Artio Global had only worsened since such discussions,
these buyers likely would not be interested. The Committee also discussed its view that, as before, the risks associated with information leaks outweighed the potential benefits. The Committee and its advisors also discussed the terms of Party
Fs proposal, the relative value to Artio Globals shareholders of Party Fs proposal and Artio Globals stand-alone business plan, the mixed form of consideration offered by Party F, the impact of the TRA on discussions with
Party F, and certain other terms and conditions proposed by Party F. The Committee and its advisors noted that, while the Committee had not decided to take any action with respect to Party Fs proposal, the per share price offered potentially
attractive value to Artio Globals shareholders. The Committee and its advisors discussed the assumptions concerning the TRA underlying Party Fs proposal and determined to schedule another meeting to discuss these issues. The Committee
and its advisors explored potential ways to leverage certain of the conditions and demands included in Party Fs proposal, including Party Fs demand for a 30-day period of exclusivity, to attempt to convince Party F to increase its
price per share proposal. The Committee then invited Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams to join the meeting to discuss Party Fs proposal.
On July 7, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs reviewed with
the Committee Goldman Sachss calculation of the net present value of payments due to Messrs. Pell and Younes under the then-existing terms of the TRA based on certain assumptions, including a range of possible discount rates, noting that if,
as a result of a transaction with Party F, it became more likely that such future payments would be made than in the absence of such a transaction (thereby implying a lower discount rate), the transaction would increase the net present value of such
payments to Messrs. Pell and Younes, and that such increase could be substantial. The Committee discussed the terms of the TRA and the potential, assuming voluntary concessions by Messrs. Pell and Younes, to leverage voluntary waivers of a
portion of the economic benefits to which Messrs. Pell and Younes otherwise would be entitled under the TRA by virtue of a sale transaction, in exchange for an increase in the per share consideration offered by Party F to all of Artio
Globals shareholders. After discussing various aspects of the TRA with its advisors, the Committee decided to request that Messrs. Pell and Younes voluntarily reduce their collective percentage share of the tax benefits specified in the TRA
from 85% to 50% in exchange for an increase in Party Fs offer price. Members of the Committee and its advisors also discussed the potential merits and considerations of Party Fs request for a 30-day period of exclusivity, along with the
possibility that Party F might request certain customary deal protection provisions in connection with a definitive transaction agreement. The Committee discussed opportunities to potentially leverage these requests in exchange for an increase in
the per share consideration offered by Party F. The Committee and its advisors also discussed the attractiveness of Party Fs proposed consideration of $3.75 per share as compared to Artio Globals prospects were it to remain independent
and pursue its stand-alone business plan. After considering, among other things, market conditions, the specific challenges facing Artio Global, the likelihood of achieving Artio Globals stand-alone business plan, and the risks to Artio Global
and its shareholders if the stand-alone business plan could not be successfully implemented, the Committee concluded that, while the $3.75 per share offer likely
34
represented superior value as compared to the execution of Artio Globals stand-alone business plan and while the Committee had not yet made any decision concerning the potential sale of
Artio Global, the Committee would seek additional value from Party F for Artio Globals public shareholders. The Committee also discussed Party Fs request to enter into employment agreements with key personnel of Artio Global as a
condition to a potential transaction. The Committee determined that it was premature to respond to this request and that no Artio Global executives should have any discussions with Party F about potential post-transaction employment until authorized
to do so by the Committee.
On July 9, 2012, members of the Committee and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk
held a teleconference with Mr. Pell and requested that Messrs. Pell and Younes voluntarily reduce their collective percentage share of the tax benefits specified in the TRA from 85% to 50% in exchange for a potential increase in the per share
proposal offered by Party F. Mr. Pell stated his preliminary view that he and Mr. Younes would be unwilling to forgo any of the payments to which they would otherwise be entitled under the TRA. On July 9 and 10, 2012, at the
Committees direction, Mr. Ledwidge had a follow-up conversation with Mr. Pell, and Davis Polk had a teleconference with Mr. Pell and his counsel, to reiterate the Committees request and reasoning. Later on July 10,
2012, Mr. Pell informed the Committee that, in response to the Committees request, he and Mr. Younes were willing to forgo the next $15 million in payments to which they otherwise would be entitled pursuant to the TRA on the
condition that Party F agrees to raise its offer price by at least 25 cents per share. Based on the equity interests in Artio Global and its subsidiaries held by Messrs. Pell and Younes at that time, a price increase of 25 cents per share would have
been worth approximately $2.85 million to them in the aggregate. Mr. Pell confirmed in a letter to the Committee on July 16, 2012 the terms of his and Mr. Youness willingness to voluntarily waive such payments to which they
would otherwise be entitled under the TRA.
Later on July 10, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by
representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. The Committee discussed the counterproposal made by Messrs. Pell and Younes with respect to the TRA and whether it would be advisable to request that they waive
additional portions of the payments to which they otherwise would be entitled under the TRA. Following discussions, the Committee determined not to request additional concessions from Messrs. Pell and Younes given the potential closeness in value
from Party Fs point of view of the counterproposal made by Messrs. Pell and Younes and the Committees initial request, the longstanding and preexisting nature of Artio Globals contractual obligations under the TRA, the unlikelihood
that Messrs. Pell and Younes would agree to additional voluntary concessions and the potential adverse impact of further negotiations with Messrs. Pell and Younes on the potential timetable for negotiations with Party F. Following discussion, the
Committee directed representatives of Goldman Sachs to inform Party F that the Committee sought an increase in Party Fs offer price from $3.75 per share to $4.25 per share, with at least $2.25 per share in cash, and that, in exchange, Messrs.
Pell and Younes were willing to forgo the next $15 million in payments to which they otherwise would be entitled pursuant to the TRA. The Committee also directed Goldman Sachs to emphasize to Party F that the Committee was prepared to work quickly
with Party F toward a completed transaction.
Later on July 10, 2012, representatives of Goldman Sachs communicated the
Committees responses to representatives of Party F. Party Fs representatives stated that Party F was willing to consider Artio Globals counterproposal but that it required additional information in order to refine its analysis.
On July 12, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $21.2 billion as of June 30, 2012, down from
$21.8 billion as of May 31, 2012. During June, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $0.8 billion. During the second quarter of 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered net client cash outflows of
approximately $3.8 billion, or approximately 25% of the AUM of IE Strategies at the beginning of the quarter.
On July 13,
2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors Party Fs response to Artio Globals counterproposal,
the areas of further review identified by Party F, and the general status of discussions with Party F. Goldman Sachs reported that Party F had stated that its board had encouraged Party Fs management to continue evaluating a potential
transaction but had not provided guidance on the potential purchase price. The Committee also discussed the continued and substantial decline in Artio Globals business.
35
The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to continue to conduct discussions with Party F and provide Party F with information it required for its ongoing review.
Over the course of the next several days, representatives of Goldman Sachs continued to have conversations with representatives of Party F
and its financial advisor regarding Party Fs evaluation of a potential transaction with Artio Global. Party F stated that it planned to provide a response to Artio Globals counterproposal after Party Fs next board meeting later in
the week.
On July 17, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and
Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee and its advisors discussed the status of discussions with Party F. Goldman Sachs reported that Party F had stated that it planned to respond to the Committees counterproposal for
Party F to acquire Artio Global for $4.25 per share after Party Fs next board meeting. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to reiterate to the participants of all due diligence meetings that no discussion regarding compensation arrangements
or retention plans for specific persons or groups of persons may take place at this stage. The Committee and its advisors also discussed, among other things, the appropriate timing and scope of Artio Globals due diligence on Party F, given
that a portion of the consideration in a potential transaction with Party F might be paid in Party F stock.
On July 18
and 19, 2012, at the Committees direction, members of Artio Globals senior management and representatives of Party F and its financial advisor held due diligence meetings at Davis Polks offices in New York.
On July 23, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte discussed, among other things, the status of discussions with Party F and recent due diligence meetings with Party F.
Goldman Sachs reported that Party F had stated that it was still debating internally the valuation of Artio Global, and planned to respond to Artio Globals counterproposal for Party F to acquire Artio Global for $4.25 per share following Party
Fs next board meeting, which Party F had stated was scheduled for July 24 or 25, 2012.
On July 25, 2012, Party
F provided Artio Global with an initial draft of a Merger Agreement between Artio Global and Party F.
On July 26, 2012,
the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte discussed
the draft Merger Agreement received from Party F and the status of discussions with Party F. Goldman Sachs reported that Party F had stated that it was continuing to analyze certain data and planned to respond to Artio Globals July 10,
2012 counterproposal early the following week. The Committee discussed the possible reasons for the continued delay in Party Fs response and the potential impacts of delay on a possible transaction with Party F. The Committee directed Goldman
Sachs to emphasize to Party F the importance of providing a response as soon as possible.
On July 27, 2012, the Committee
held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte discussed the status of discussions
with Party F. Goldman Sachs reported that, pursuant to the Committees directions, it had emphasized to Party F the importance of receiving Party Fs response to Artio Globals July 10, 2012 counterproposal as soon as possible,
and that Party F had declined to provide a specific timetable for its response. The Committee and its advisors also discussed, among other things, the status of the draft Merger Agreement received from Party F and certain key provisions therein,
including the potential benefits and risks of such provisions to Artio Global and its shareholders and the potential impact of those provisions on the amount and form of consideration in a potential transaction with Party F.
On August 1, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. Goldman Sachs reported that it had spoken with Party Fs CEO, who had stated that Party F was continuing to evaluate a potential transaction with Artio Global and hoped to respond
to Artio Globals July 10, 2012 counterproposal later in the week. The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte discussed possible reasons
36
for the continued delay in Party Fs response and the implications of such delay on a potential transaction, including in light of Artio Globals next earnings announcement scheduled on
August 3, 2012. The Committee also discussed, among other things, potential reductions in Artio Globals headcount.
On August 3, 2012, Artio Global reported its results for the second fiscal quarter of 2012. Among other things, Artio Global
announced (i) for the second quarter of 2012, adjusted net income of $3.2 million, a decrease of 50% and 87%, respectively, relative to adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2011, (ii) a reduction of
its workforce by 25 employees and (iii) its decision to discontinue its U.S. equity strategies.
On August 10, 2012,
Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $19.7 billion as of July 31, 2012, down from $21.2 billion as of June 30, 2012. During July, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $1.6
billion.
On August 4, 2012, Goldman Sachs held a teleconference with Party Fs financial advisor, during which
Goldman Sachs and such advisor discussed the status of Party Fs evaluation of a potential transaction with Artio Global and various related issues.
On August 5, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. Goldman
Sachs reported that Party Fs advisor had informed Goldman Sachs that Party F was having difficulty arriving at a valuation that could justify its original, preliminary offer of $3.75 per share, much less the counterproposal presented by the
Committee. Party Fs advisor had identified a number of additional issues relating to, among other things, the TRA, potential employee retention arrangements, adequate deal conditionality, and levels of expense caps and issues arising from a
proposed replacement of the board of trustees of Artio Globals mutual funds, all of which would need to be resolved to Party Fs satisfaction before Party F could move forward with any potential transaction (even if the parties could
agree on a revised offer price). The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte discussed the issues raised by, and potential responses to, Party F, along with certain clarifications sought by the Committee. The Committee also
discussed with its advisors and senior management the viability of Artio Globals stand-alone plan, the various challenges Artio Global likely would face were it to remain independent, and the value to Artio Globals shareholders under its
stand-alone plan as compared to a potential transaction with Party F at different prices. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte to engage Party F expeditiously and to discuss, in accordance with the
Committees instructions at the meeting, the open issues necessary for both parties to further assess the potential desirability of a potential transaction.
On August 8, 2012, in accordance with the Committees directions, representatives of Artio Globals senior management and Goldman Sachs met with representatives of Party F. The participants
discussed, among other things, the past and anticipated performance of certain segments of Artio Globals business, the issues raised by Party Fs advisor on the August 4, 2012 teleconference, and certain questions of the Committee
related to such issues.
Also on August 8, 2012, Mr. Pell and a senior executive of a potential strategic buyer
referred to herein as Party H held a meeting during which the participants discussed the possibility of a transaction between the two companies.
On August 10, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The
Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams the recent meeting between Artio Globals senior management and Party F and Party H, respectively. Goldman Sachs reported that Party F had stated that it hoped to be in
a position to submit a revised bid for Artio Global sometime the following week. The participants discussed a draft list of issues prepared by Davis Polk identifying open issues in the draft Merger Agreement and pending discussions with Party F,
after which the Committee directed Davis Polk to revise the issues list in accordance with the Committees instructions and send the revised issues list to Party F.
On August 10, 2012, Davis Polk provided the revised issues list relating to Party Fs draft Merger Agreement to Party F.
37
On August 15, 2012, Goldman Sachs had a teleconference with Party Fs advisor who
reported that Party Fs board of directors had determined that Party F would not move forward with a potential transaction at that time at any price due to, among other things, the substantial growth trajectory of Party Fs own business,
the strong performance of Party Fs own stock price, concerns regarding the possible impacts of a potential transaction on Party Fs operations and future growth and further potential decreases in AUM of the IE Strategies. Party Fs
advisor also relayed Party Fs interest in maintaining communications, indicating that Party F might be interested in reconsidering a potential transaction if the AUM of Artio Globals IE Strategies began to show signs of stabilizing or if
such AUM fell to a level such that continued reduction was no longer a material risk in Party Fs view.
On
August 17, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs.
Pell, Harte and Williams Party Fs decision not to move forward with a potential transaction at that time, the reasons given by Party F and the assumptions on which Party F based its decision. The Committee also discussed, among other things,
other potential strategic alternatives of Artio Global. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to maintain periodic contact with Party F and to continue to keep the Committee informed of any indications of interest received from other potential
buyers.
On or before August 24, 2012, Party H informed Artio Global that it was no longer interested in a potential
transaction with Artio Global.
During the period between August 18 and December 26, 2012, in light of the continued
and substantial deterioration in Artio Globals business, the Committee instructed Artio Globals senior management and Goldman Sachs to continue to identify additional potential buyers that might be interested in exploring a potential
strategic transaction involving Artio Global. The Committee believed that, at this point in time, the risk to Artio Globals business of a leak regarding the sale process had diminished considerably for several reasons, including the
significant reduction in AUM (particularly in AUM for the IE Strategies) that Artio Global had already experienced, the decline in Artio Globals stock price to the point where its market capitalization approached its book value in the last
quarter of 2012, the fact that the deterioration of Artio Globals business was widely known at that time, and the numbers of parties Artio Global and Goldman Sachs already had contacted regarding a potential transaction. As a result, the
Committee directed Goldman Sachs and Artio Globals senior management to expand the search for parties that might be interested in a strategic transaction with Artio Global and to keep the Committee informed of any significant developments.
On October 11, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $17.7 billion as of September 30, 2012, down
from $19.7 billion as of July 31, 2012. During August and September, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $2.2 billion. During the entire third quarter of 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered
net client cash outflows of approximately $3.8 billion, or approximately 37% of the AUM of IE Strategies at the beginning of the quarter.
On October 30, 2012, Artio Global reported its results for the third quarter of 2012. Among other things, Artio Global announced, for the third quarter of 2012, adjusted net income of $3.9 million, a
decrease of 75% relative to adjusted net income in the third quarter of 2011. As of the end of the third quarter of 2012, according to Lipper Rankings, the year-to-date 2012 performance of IE 1 and IE 2 ranked in the bottom 94th and 90th percentile,
respectively, among their peer mutual funds (as defined by Lipper Ranking). During the third quarter of 2012, Morningstar decreased the ratings of IE 1 from three stars to two stars and maintained a rating of 2 stars for IE 2.
Also on October 30, 2012, Artio Global announced that Mr. Pell had resigned as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Artio Global,
effective November 1, 2012, but would remain with Artio Global as Chief Investment Officer. After deliberations, the Board had concluded that Mr. Pell should remain in the position of Chief Investment Officer given, among other things, the
importance of presenting stability and continuity to the firms clients and to the retention of AUM and key portfolio managers, and the fact that, historically, the performance of IE Strategies had generally been better during periods when
Messrs. Pell and Younes jointly oversaw investment decisions. In connection with Mr. Pells resignation as CEO, on October 25, 2012, the Board appointed Mr. Williams as Artio Globals CEO and as a director, effective
November 1, 2012. Mr. Ledwidge was appointed Chairman, likewise effective on November 1, 2012.
38
During the period between August 18 and December 26, 2012, Artio Globals
senior management and Goldman Sachs, upon consultation and discussion with the Committee and/or its Chairman, (i) contacted ten of the entities with which Artio Global had prior communications concerning a potential transaction, including Party
F, and (ii) contacted or received in-bound inquiries regarding a potential transaction from 38 additional potential strategic buyers, including Aberdeen. Among these 38 additional potential buyers, seven potential buyers referred to herein as
Party I, Party J, Party K, Party L, Party M, Party N and Party O, respectively, entered into confidentiality agreements (which contained customary standstill provisions) with Artio Global on December 3, 6, 7, and 12, 2012 and January 11,
15 and 22, 2013, respectively. In addition, Aberdeen entered into a confidentiality agreement (which contained customary standstill provisions) with Artio Global on December 10, 2012.
Except for the parties discussed below, all of the entities contacted declined to explore a potential transaction with Artio Global or
engage in any material due diligence investigation citing, among other reasons, the rapid decline in AUM, the challenges related to retaining AUM through a transaction, the recent performance of Artio Globals products (beyond IE Strategies)
relative to benchmarks and peers, the challenges of creating a deal structure to protect the buyer from these factors with a public company target, and risks and complexities related to the TRA.
During the fall of 2012, the compensation committee of Artio Globals Board of Directors met on several occasions, including with its
compensation consultant, McLagan Partners, to develop retention packages for various officers and other key employees because Artio Globals continuously declining performance presented a significant risk of causing the loss of key employees
whose departures would be materially detrimental to Artio Globals operations and, in certain cases, could lead to further decline in AUM. Among the retention packages under discussion was the issuance of stock appreciation rights, which we
refer to as the SARs, that would have a strike price at the market price for Artio Globals common stock on the date of issuance, thereby entitling the holders of SARs to any appreciation on an aggregate of 5.25 million shares
of common stock above that price. The SARs were expected to vest in full on the third anniversary of the issuance date, with acceleration upon any actual or constructive termination of the holder after a change of control. The intended beneficiaries
of the SARs were five senior managers of Artio Global, including Messrs. Williams and Harte (but not including Messrs. Pell or Younes), who were to receive the SARs in lieu of participating in the retention plan adopted for other critical employees
of Artio Global in January 2013. For illustrative purposes, had the SARs been granted on January 2, 2013, the date that such other retention plan was adopted, the SARs would have had an aggregate value of approximately $3.8 million at the price
payable by Aberdeen in the Merger.
On September 27, 2012, Mr. Harte met with the Chief Financial Officer of Party F
at an industry event and, in accordance with the Committees directions, revisited the possibility of a transaction between the two companies. From late October to early December, 2012, following indications from Party F that it might be
interested in re-evaluating a potential transaction with Artio Global, representatives of Artio Globals senior management and Goldman Sachs had various meetings and teleconferences with representatives of Party F. The parties discussed various
topics related to a potential transaction. On December 11, 2013, Party F informed Goldman Sachs that it again had decided not to pursue a potential transaction.
On November 13, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $16.7 billion as of October 31, 2012, down from $17.7 billion as of September 30, 2012. During October, 2012, the IE
Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $1.0 billion.
On November 29, 2012,
Mr. Harte met with the Chief Financial Officer of Party K and discussed certain issues related to a potential transaction between Artio Global and Party K.
On December 6, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell met with representatives of Party J. The participants discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between the two companies.
Throughout the remainder of December, 2012 and January, 2013, senior management of Artio Global continued to communicate with Party J regarding a potential transaction.
On December 11, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell met with the CEO and the Chief Investment Officer of Party M. The participants discussed various topics related to a potential transaction
between the two companies. Subsequently, on January 25, 2013, Party M informed Goldman Sachs that it was no longer interested in a potential transaction.
39
On December 12, 2012, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $15.0 billion
as of November 30, 2012, down from $16.7 billion as of October 31, 2012. During November, 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $1.3 billion.
On December 13 and 14, 2012, the Board held regularly scheduled meetings attended by Artio Globals senior management and
representatives of Goldman Sachs at the invitation of the Board. Artio Globals senior management reviewed with the Board projections for Artio Globals business and financial performance in 2013 and the assumptions underlying such
projections (as described in further detail in the section of this proxy statement entitled Proposal 1The MergerCertain Financial ProjectionsProjections Relating to Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 beginning on page 63).
Goldman Sachs and Artio Globals senior management then reviewed with the Board Artio Globals communications with potential buyers since late 2011. The Board then discussed various potential strategic alternatives for Artio Global.
On December 17, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell (i) had a teleconference with Aberdeens CEO,
Martin Gilbert and (ii) had a teleconference with representatives of Party K. At the meetings, the parties discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between Artio Global and Aberdeen and Party K, respectively. During the
discussions, Party K stated that it was interested in acquiring only the assets of Artio Globals IE Strategies (and not the related personnel or any of the other personnel and assets of Artio Global).
On December 18, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell had a teleconference with representatives of Party I. The participants
discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between the two companies. Party I stated that it was interested in acquiring only the assets of Artio Global (and not any of Artio Globals liabilities or corporate entities) and
further stated that any such potential asset sale would be subject to the satisfaction of a substantial number of conditions and price adjustment mechanisms. On January 3, 2012, Party I sent a memorandum to Goldman Sachs describing the proposed
transaction structure and terms and the significant deal conditionality required in their proposal. Among other things, Party I proposed in the memorandum that (i) the purchase price consist of an upfront portion and a deferred portion, with
the upfront portion calculated based on the level of Artio Globals revenue successfully transferred to Party I prior to closing, and the deferred portion calculated based on the level of Artio Globals revenue retained by Party I over a
to-be-specified period following the closing; (ii) the transaction be structured as an asset acquisition, which would leave behind all of Artio Globals tax assets; and (iii) the closing of the transaction be subject to, among other
things, receipt of required fund board, fund shareholder and client approvals and consents to assign Artio Globals investment advisor arrangements, entry into employment or non-solicitation agreements with certain Artio Global employees and
completion by Party I of its due diligence on Artio Global.
On December 20, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell
and Donald Quigley and Gregory Hopper, two fixed income portfolio managers of Artio Global, had a teleconference with members of Aberdeens management, including Aberdeens CEO, Mr. Gilbert. The participants discussed various topics
related to a potential transaction between the two companies.
On December 27, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic
meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte, among other things, the status of
discussions with potential buyers. The Committee then excused Messrs. Williams and Harte from the meeting and discussed with its outside advisors the potential impact of the TRA on discussions with possible buyers. The Committee instructed Goldman
Sachs to ensure that potential buyers were aware of the TRA and its terms and conditions.
On January 3, 2013, at the
Committees direction, members of Artio Globals and Aberdeens management and portfolio management teams discussed Artio Globals business strategies, investment process, distribution resources and clients and various other
topics related to a potential transaction between Artio Global and Aberdeen. Later on January 3, 2013, Messrs. Williams, Harte, Pell, Quigley and Hopper attended a dinner with members of Aberdeens management, including Mr. Gilbert.
On January 8, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions with various potential buyers, including
40
Aberdeen. In this respect, Goldman Sachs summarized the parameters of a transaction that Party I had stated it might be interested in, including Party Is valuation approach and the
structure, conditionality and price adjustment and earn-out mechanisms Party I stated it would require. After consultation with Goldman Sachs and further discussions, the Committee determined that, based on Goldman Sachss report and various
other related factors, including the fact that Party I would abandon all of Artio Globals tax assets (and, consequently, any potential offer from Party I likely would not reflect the value of such tax assets) and the significant
conditionalities proposed by Party I with respect to both purchase price and transaction closing, Party I was unlikely to present an attractive offer for Artio Globals shareholders and it would not be advisable to conduct further discussions
with Party I. Goldman Sachs then reported that Aberdeen had requested guidance on Artio Globals price expectations before making a proposal for per share consideration. The Committee discussed at length whether it would be advisable to provide
such guidance at that point in time and determined that, in light of the various uncertainties with respect to transaction structure and other terms that might affect Aberdeens valuation (including, for example, treatment of Artio
Globals tax assets and potential arrangements with respect to the TRA), it was premature to provide any price guidance to Aberdeen. The Committee also discussed, in light of Aberdeens indication that it might terminate Artio
Globals international equities team after completing a possible transaction, the benefits and risks associated with various different approaches to managing Artio Globals IE Strategies between the signing and closing of a possible
transaction with Aberdeen.
Also on January 8, 2013, Davis Polk received a list of supplemental legal due diligence
questions from Aberdeens counsel, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, which we refer to as Willkie Farr.
On January 9, 2013, Artio Global announced that Christopher Wright had been appointed to the Board. Mr. Wright also was
appointed by the Board to join the Committee after a determination that Mr. Wright was, like the existing members of the Committee, independent, and might bring additional perspectives to Artio Globals strategic review process.
Also on January 9, 2013, Artio Global provided Aberdeen with an update to the revenue run-rate estimates as of November
30, 2012, which had been previously provided to Aberdeen during the course of discussions. Among other things, the update reflected a revenue run-rate estimate of approximately $66.1 million, compared to approximately $68.4 million reflected in
the estimates as of November 30, 2012.
On January 11, 2013, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $14.3
billion as of December 31, 2012, down from $15.0 billion as of November 30, 2012. During December 2012, the IE Strategies had suffered aggregate net client cash outflows of approximately $0.5 billion. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the
IE Strategies had suffered net client cash outflows of approximately $2.8 billion, or approximately 40% of the AUM of IE Strategies at the beginning of the quarter.
On January 15, 2013, representatives of Aberdeens financial advisor had a teleconference with representatives of Goldman Sachs, during which Goldman Sachs reported that the Committee was
unwilling to provide price guidance at that time. At the conclusion of the call, Aberdeens financial advisor stated that Aberdeen was willing to discuss a potential acquisition of Artio Global for $2.35 per share, subject to certain
conditions. This proposal represented a premium of 18% to the closing price of Artio Global common stock the day before and 16% to the 30-day average closing price of Artio Global common stock.
Later on January 15, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. Goldman Sachs reported that Aberdeen had proposed an acquisition price for Artio Global of $2.35 per share, conditioned on, among other things, (i) a restated Tax Receivable
Agreement among Artio Global, Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes reflecting certain concessions by Messrs. Pell and Younes under the TRA, including modification or elimination of the TRA Change of Control Provision that would have triggered the
Sufficient Income Assumption, (ii) voting agreements with Mr. Pell, Mr. Younes and the Significant Shareholder, pursuant to which these shareholders would agree to vote their Artio Global shares in favor of a transaction with
Aberdeen, and (iii) closing conditions or price adjustment mechanisms based on Artio Globals closing AUM levels. According to a prior analysis, under the Sufficient Income Assumption that would be triggered in a transaction with Aberdeen,
Messrs. Pell and Younes would be entitled to receive an aggregate of approximately $131 million in payments with respect to tax years 2014 through 2035 (not taking into account payments to which Messrs. Pell
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and Younes would be entitled to under the TRA as a result of their 2012 exchange of New Class A Units for shares of Class A common stock). If Messrs. Pell and Younes were to waive the
Sufficient Income Assumption as requested by Aberdeen, then the full amount of the payments, if any, that they would be entitled to under the TRA after the transaction would be at risk and would depend on, among other things, the ability of the
surviving entity of the transaction and its U.S. affiliates to generate U.S. taxable income and the amount of such taxable income. The Committee and its advisors noted that Aberdeens current U.S. tax position might discourage Messrs. Pell and
Younes from agreeing to waive the Sufficient Income Assumption.
The Committee discussed Aberdeens proposals and
assumptions and how to respond to Aberdeen, including, among other things, the value of Aberdeens proposal to Artio Globals shareholders as compared to Artio Globals standalone plan and possible offers from other buyers. The
Committee noted that the concessions under the TRA and the voting agreements requested by Aberdeen would require consent from Messrs. Pell and Younes and (in the case of the voting agreements) the Significant Shareholder, that the TRA was a
pre-existing contractual obligation of Artio Global, and that Messrs. Pell and Younes had no obligation to make any concessions thereunder. The Committee also discussed the timetable of a potential transaction with Aberdeen in relation to Artio
Globals next earnings announcement. After discussions, the Committee determined that it would be advisable and in the best interests of Artio Globals shareholders to, among other things, make a counterproposal to Aberdeen of a purchase
price of $2.80 to $2.90 per share (in an effort to procure a per share purchase price near that range, but in any event substantially above the $2.35 per share initial offer from Aberdeen) and to continue to resist closing conditions or price
adjustment mechanisms related to AUM or revenue run-rate levels in order to maximize certainty of closing and value to Artio Globals shareholders in a potential transaction. After consultation with Goldman Sachs, the Committee selected this
price level as a counterproposal based on its determination that, as a negotiation matter, it was the highest price that it could credibly pursue without unduly risking Aberdeen withdrawing from discussions.
On January 16, 2013, a representative of Goldman Sachs had a telephone conference with Aberdeens CEO, Mr. Gilbert, and
communicated to Aberdeen Artio Globals counterproposal for Aberdeen to acquire Artio Global for $2.80 to $2.90 per share. The participants also discussed certain of Aberdeens assumptions underlying its valuation analysis of Artio Global
and certain other issues related to a potential transaction.
On January 18, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting
attended by Mr. Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Mr. Harte the status of discussions with potential buyers and next steps. Goldman
Sachs reported, among other things, that Aberdeen was not prepared to respond formally to Artio Globals counterproposal of a purchase price range of $2.80 to $2.90 per share, but that Aberdeens CEO, Mr. Gilbert, had expressed a
potential willingness to increase Aberdeens proposed purchase price without a price adjustment mechanism tied to revenue run-rate or AUM at closing. After discussions, the Committee directed Goldman Sachs to reiterate to Aberdeen, among other
things, Artio Globals counterproposal of $2.80 to $2.90 per share and, if applicable, unwillingness to agree to any closing condition tied to revenue run-rate or AUM at closing or the retention of certain executives. Mr. Harte provided a
high-level summary of recent changes in Artio Globals AUM, noting continued decreases and further expected AUM outflows in February 2013. The Committee discussed with its advisors the implications of these developments and noted the need, in
light of these developments, to move quickly in exploring a potential transaction.
On January 21, 2013, the Committee
held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of the
discussions with various potential buyers and the timing and sequencing of certain key work streams related to a potential transaction with Aberdeen. Following discussion, the Committee directed Messrs. Williams and Harte to arrange a meeting with
Messrs. Pell and Younes to discuss with them the request for certain concessions that had been made by Aberdeen under the pre-existing terms of the TRA, which concessions Aberdeen required to support the per share price proposal it made.
On January 22, 2013, Artio Global received from Aberdeen a summary of key proposed terms for a potential transaction. The term sheet
did not include Aberdeens per share price proposal but noted, among other things, that any transaction would be conditioned upon receipt of change of control consents from Artio Globals mutual fund
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shareholders, the negotiation of mutually satisfactory retention agreements with two of Artio Globals fixed income portfolio managers, no additional employee grants (including the SARs), no
new non-compete or retention arrangements between Artio Global and any of its employees, and the amendment of the TRA to remove the TRA Change of Control Provision and to ensure that tax benefits would be shared with Messrs. Pell and Younes only if
and when realized by Aberdeens U.S. tax group. Later on January 22, 2013, Goldman Sachs received a call from Aberdeens CEO stating that Aberdeen would be willing to increase its offer price to $2.75 per share, and Aberdeen
subsequently circulated an updated term sheet containing the $2.75 per share proposal. The proposal represented a 37% premium to the closing price of Artio Global common stock on that day and a 38% premium to the 30-day average closing price of
Artio Global common stock. In addition to the other terms and conditions contained in the term sheet, Aberdeen stated to Goldman Sachs that, after a review of related considerations, it placed no value on Artio Globals tax assets due to, among
other things, (i) the fact that a substantial portion of the related tax benefits could be realized only at distant future dates, thus diminishing their present value, (ii) restrictions under applicable tax laws on the availability of such
tax benefits in the short- to mid-term following a change of control of Artio Global, and (iii) the availability of Aberdeens own U.S. tax assets.
Later on January 22, 2013, in accordance with the Committees directions, Messrs. Ledwidge, Williams and Harte met with Mr. Pell and discussed Aberdeens request that Messrs. Pell and
Younes agree to Aberdeens requested concessions under the TRA in connection with a potential transaction.
Also on
January 22, 2013, in accordance with the Committees directions, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell and representatives from Goldman Sachs met with the CEO and other members of management of Party O and discussed various topics related to a
potential transaction between the two companies, including recent challenges faced by Artio Global and the potential integration process. Party O provided indications that its interest had decreased due to, among other things, its possible inability
to utilize Artio Globals tax assets. Subsequently on January 29, 2013, Party O informed Artio Global that it was no longer interested in a potential transaction with Artio Global.
Also on January 22, 2013, in accordance with the Committees directions, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell and representatives
from Goldman Sachs met with representatives of Party N and discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between the two companies.
Later on January 22, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The
Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte, among other things, the status of the discussions with various potential buyers, how to respond to the term sheet provided by Aberdeen to maximize value for Artio Globals
shareholders; and the meeting among Messrs. Williams, Harte, Ledwidge and Pell regarding Aberdeens requests relating to the TRA. As part of the discussions, Goldman Sachs reviewed with the Committee the reasons Aberdeen had provided for not
placing any value on Artio Globals tax assets. After discussions, the Committee decided that, in light of the factors described by Aberdeen, Aberdeen was highly unlikely to consent to further concessions based on Artio Globals tax assets
(and, by extension, that any potential additional concessions from Messrs. Pell and Younes likely would not lead to a price increase from Aberdeen), and that it would be advisable to focus Artio Globals resources on identifying other items of
potential value to Aberdeen in exchange for more favorable terms for Artio Globals stockholders. Following discussion, the Committee directed Goldman Sachs to approach Aberdeen concerning the elimination or scaling back substantially of
Aberdeens demand that the consummation of any transaction be conditioned on mutual fund shareholder approval. The Committee also discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the SARs proposed by the Compensation Committee in the
fall of 2012, including the historical background, purposes and value of the SARs. The Committee also discussed Aberdeens position that its $2.75 per share offer price assumed that the SARs would not be issued. As part of the discussion,
Messrs. Williams and Harte noted that materials relating to the SARs had previously been provided to Aberdeen in the electronic data room and therefore should have been priced into Aberdeens proposal. The Committee then excused Messrs.
Williams and Harte from the meeting and further discussed with its advisors the importance and appropriateness of the SARs or potential replacement retention awards in lieu of the SARs, including the fact that the intended recipients of the SARs
were not included in Artio Globals January 2013 retention program in anticipation of receiving the SARs and that the potential recipients had been informed that Artio Global intended to grant them the SARs. The
43
Committee also discussed the potential impact of any retention awards on Artio Globals ongoing discussions with potential buyers and the critical importance of the intended beneficiaries
both in ensuring that any announced transaction that was a value-maximizing transaction for Artio Globals shareholders would actually be consummated and in helping Artio Global maximize its stand-alone value were Artio Global not to engage in
a transaction (or were any announced transaction not thereafter actually to close).
On January 23, 2013, Willkie Farr
sent Davis Polk initial drafts of the Merger Agreement and Voting Agreements between Aberdeen and each of the Significant Shareholder and Messrs. Pell and Younes. Among other things, the draft Merger Agreement contained a closing condition that
shareholder consents for all of Artio Globals public mutual funds have been obtained and a termination fee of 3.5% of the transaction value plus reimbursement of up to $1 million of Aberdeens transaction expenses (totaling up to
approximately 4.1% of the transaction value) payable by Artio Global under certain circumstances. The draft Merger Agreement did not provide complete rights for Artio Global to waive, which we refer to as the Standstill Waivers, any
provision in Artio Globals existing confidentiality agreements that prohibited the counterparty from confidentially requesting Artio Global to waive a standstill provision to the extent necessary to confidentially submit an acquisition
proposal to Artio Global, which we refer to as the Dont Ask, Dont Waive Provisions.
On
January 25, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs.
Williams and Harte the status of discussions with various potential buyers. Goldman Sachs reported that it had informed each of the potential buyers with which it had spoken that they would need to move quickly in light of Artio Globals
discussions with another party, but that these entities continued to be unresponsive or to move slowly. The Committee then discussed the status of the ongoing discussions with Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes and Aberdeens due diligence on
Artio Global. The Committee also discussed the timing of Artio Globals next earnings announcement previously scheduled in late January 2013, and the related implications for the timing of an announcement of a potential transaction with
Aberdeen. Messrs. Williams and Harte noted that Messrs. Pell and Younes had not yet agreed to the concessions under the TRA requested by Aberdeen, and the Committee directed Messrs. Williams and Harte to continue exploring a compromise between
Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes that would facilitate Artio Globals ability to enter into a value-maximizing transaction for its shareholders. The Committee then excused Messrs. Williams and Harte from the meeting and discussed with
its advisors certain issues concerning the SARs.
On January 28, 2013, at the Committees direction, members of
senior management of Artio Global and of Party N met to discuss certain due diligence items related to Artio Global, including Artio Globals history, reasons behind Artio Globals past AUM loss, and issues relating to the possible
integration of the operations of Artio Global into those of Party N.
Between January 24 and January 29, 2013, the
Committee and its advisors discussed the draft Merger Agreement. On January 29, 2013, Davis Polk sent markups of the draft Merger Agreement and Voting Agreements to Willkie Farr. The revised draft Merger Agreement proposed, among other things,
no closing conditions related to approval by shareholders of Artio Globals public mutual funds, a termination fee of 2.0% of the transactions equity value payable by Artio Global under certain circumstances, and full rights of Artio
Global to grant Standstill Waivers.
On January 29, 2013, Artio Global announced that Elizabeth Buse had resigned from the
Board due to an increase in other professional commitments.
Also on January 29, 2013, Mr. Harte had a teleconference
with representatives of Party N and discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between the two companies.
On
January 30, 2013, at the Committees direction, Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs met with representatives of Party J and further discussed Artio Globals business, financials, clients and products. At
that meeting, Party J informed Goldman Sachs that, due to its own organizational structure, it would place no value on Artio Globals tax assets in a potential transaction. Subsequently on February 6, 2013, Party J informed Goldman Sachs
that, based on its analysis, it was having difficulties supporting a valuation of Artio Global at or in excess of its current market price of approximately $2.00 per
44
share, and informed each of Goldman Sachs and Mr. Williams separately on that day that it had decided not to pursue a transaction with Artio Global.
Also on January 30, 2013, in light of the status of Artio Globals discussions with Aberdeen and the work Party N had
conducted, and in order to advance discussions with Party N, Goldman Sachs requested that Party N propose a price, if any, that it might be willing to pay for Artio Global. Since Party N had stated that it would not pursue a transaction with the TRA
in place, Goldman Sachs requested that it provide a proposal that assumed that the TRA would be terminated without any required payment by Party N or Artio Global.
On January 31, 2013, at the Committees direction, Davis Polk and representatives of Artio Global met with Willkie Farr and discussed certain outstanding issues in the draft Merger Agreement.
On February 1, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives
of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions with Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes regarding the potential transaction with
Aberdeen. The Committee discussed, among other things, how the Committee could help facilitate a compromise between Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes to enable Artio Global to enter into a value-maximizing transaction for its shareholders with
Aberdeen. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to prepare certain calculations regarding the TRA to assist the Committee in its discussions with Messrs. Pell and Younes. The Committee also discussed the need to have a clear integration and
transition plan upon the announcement of a potential transaction, so as to maximize closing certainty and better preserve Artio Globals franchise, value and AUM between signing and closing. The Committee also determined that Mr. Williams
should join an upcoming meeting between Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes on behalf of Artio Global. The Committee then reviewed with its advisors the status of discussions with various potential buyers. The Committee then discussed with its
advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the January 31, 2013 meeting among Davis Polk, representatives of Artio Global and Willkie Farr and certain outstanding issues in the draft Merger Agreement.
On February 4, 2013, Mr. Williams attended a meeting among representatives of Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes during which
Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes discussed the concessions requested by Aberdeen under the TRA and related issues.
Also on
February 4, 2013, Party N stated that it might be willing to offer total valuation equal to approximately $2.50 per share in cash or shares for Artio Global, on the assumption that the TRA were to be terminated and, to the extent that there
were any cost required to compensate Messrs. Pell and Younes for terminating their rights under the TRA, such cost would reduce the aggregate amounts that would otherwise be paid to Artio Global equityholders in the transaction on a
dollar-for-dollar basis.
On February 5, 2013, Davis Polk received from Willkie Farr revised drafts of the Merger
Agreement and Voting Agreements. The revised draft Merger Agreement proposed, among other things, the closing condition, reflected in Willkie Farrs initial draft, that shareholder consents for all of Artio Globals public mutual funds
have been obtained and a termination fee of 3.5% of the transaction value payable by Artio Global under certain circumstances. The revised Merger Agreement generally granted Artio Global full rights to grant the Standstill Waivers.
Later on February 5, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee first discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the ongoing discussions with various potential buyers, including Party Ns preliminary indicative
valuation of Artio Global of $2.50 per share, assuming the TRA were to be terminated at no cost to it or Artio Global. The Committee and its advisors noted that payments that would likely be due under the TRA in the next 18 months absent any
transaction would translate into approximately $0.25 per share. As a result, the Committee determined it was highly unlikely that Messrs. Pell and Younes would agree to terminate the TRA without consideration of at least that amount, thereby
effectively reducing Party Ns offer to approximately $2.25 per share or less. After discussions, the Committee determined that, unless Party N was in a position to materially increase its offer, it would not be advisable for Party N to conduct
further analysis and due diligence on Artio Global in the immediate short term due to, among other things, the value of Party Ns indicative
45
offer compared to Aberdeens current offer and the advanced nature of discussions with Aberdeen. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs to relay the foregoing message to Party N. The Committee
also noted that a transaction with Party N might become attractive under certain circumstances, particularly if negotiations with Aberdeen did not progress favorably, and directed Goldman Sachs to maintain contact with Party N. The Committee then
discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the February 4, 2013 meeting among Aberdeen and Messrs. Pell and Younes, and directed its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte to continue to explore ways to facilitate an agreement
among these parties. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte when and how to approach the Significant Shareholder regarding the potential transaction with Aberdeen, and directed Goldman Sachs to reach out to the
Significant Shareholder at the end of the week or the beginning of the next depending on, among other things, progress of discussions with Messrs. Pell and Younes. The Committee also discussed the status of discussions between Aberdeen and Artio
Globals fixed income portfolio managers. The Committee then ratified the prior appointment of Christopher Wright to the Committee and discussed certain other corporate governance matters, including renewal of the proposed compensation for the
Committee. The Committee also reviewed with its advisors the Dont Ask, Dont Waive Provisions contained in certain of Artio Globals confidentiality agreements and determined that, if Artio Global were to enter into a potential
transaction with Aberdeen, Artio Global should waive such provisions.
On February 6, 2013, Goldman Sachs called Party N
and relayed Artio Globals responses noted above to Party Ns preliminary indicative offer price of $2.50 per share (assuming the TRA were to be terminated at no cost to it or Artio Global). Party N did not express any interest or
willingness to increase its proposal at that time or thereafter.
On February 7, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic
meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee first discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte certain outstanding issues in the
Merger Agreement, including closing conditions and the drop-dead date (the date after which either party may terminate the Merger Agreement if the transaction has not completed). Davis Polk noted Aberdeens continued request to
condition the closing on receipt of shareholder approval of Artio Globals public mutual funds. After discussions, Artio Global directed Davis Polk to propose in the next draft of the Merger Agreement, among other things, limiting the closing
condition regarding fund shareholder consent to Artio Globals two fixed income funds and an extended drop-dead date of nine months after the signing date (taking into account, among other things, the potential time needed to obtain
requisite mutual fund shareholder approvals in a transaction).
Later on February 7, 2013, Davis Polk sent markups of the
draft Merger Agreement and Voting Agreements to Willkie Farr. The revised draft Merger Agreement proposed, among other things, limiting the closing condition regarding fund shareholder consent to Artio Globals two fixed income funds; a
termination fee of 2.5% of the transactions equity value payable by Artio Global under certain circumstances; and a drop-dead date nine months after the signing date. At the Committees direction, Davis Polk also forwarded the
latest drafts of the Merger Agreement and the Voting Agreement to Messrs. Pells and Youness counsel, who then commenced direct negotiations with Aberdeen on their Voting Agreements.
On February 8, 2013, at the Committees direction, Davis Polk and representatives of Artio Global met with Willkie Farr and
discussed certain outstanding issues in the Merger Agreement and upcoming work streams related to a potential transaction between Artio Global and Aberdeen.
On February 9, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The
Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions with various potential buyers. In connection with the TRA negotiations, Mr. Williams noted that, he and Mr. Harte, with the assistance of
Mr. Pell, had convinced Mr. Younes to continue negotiations with Aberdeen. The Committee also discussed the ongoing discussions between Aberdeen and two of Artio Globals fixed income portfolio managers, and directed Messrs. Williams
and Harte and Goldman Sachs to continue to explore ways to facilitate a compromise among these parties to enable Artio Global to enter into a value-maximizing transaction for its shareholders with Aberdeen (as reaching agreement with these
individuals was a condition to Aberdeens willingness to proceed with a transaction at the $2.75 offer price). The Committee also directed Goldman Sachs to update the
46
Significant Shareholder on the potential transaction in light of the progress made in negotiations with Aberdeen. The Committee also reviewed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte
certain financial projections of Artio Global prepared by Artio Globals management. Mr. Harte noted, among other things, that, according to the projections, Artio Global likely would suffer a loss per share of $0.43 and $0.31,
respectively, in 2013 and 2014 and, in a downside case, would suffer a loss per share of $0.53 and $0.57, respectively, in 2013 and 2014. For a further description of these and other projections, please refer to the section entitled
Certain Financial Projections beginning on page 63. After discussions, the Committee reiterated its prior and preliminary conclusions that Artio Globals stand-alone prospects were challenging and less attractive from a
financial standpoint to Artio Globals shareholders than the proposed transaction with Aberdeen, and that even the downside case reflected in the projections might not fully reflect the downside risks to Artio Global if it experienced
unexpected losses of key personnel. The Committee also discussed various other issues related to the potential transaction with Aberdeen, including the status of the draft Merger Agreement and public relations strategies. The Committee then excused
Messrs. Williams and Harte from the meeting and discussed proposals regarding potential retention awards in lieu of the SARs.
Following the February 9, 2013 Committee meeting, Goldman Sachs called a senior executive of the Significant Shareholder and briefed him on the potential transaction between Artio Global and
Aberdeen. The senior executive responded positively to the potential transaction and stated that the Significant Shareholder would review related documents, including the Voting Agreement requested by Aberdeen, expeditiously. Following this
telephone conversation, Davis Polk forwarded the latest drafts of the Merger Agreement and Voting Agreements to the Significant Shareholders representatives, after which the Significant Shareholder commenced direct negotiations on its Voting
Agreement with Aberdeen.
Also on February 9, 2013, at the Committees direction, Mr. Williams had a
telephone conversation with Party G regarding a potential transaction involving Artio Global. Party G provided preliminary indications that it might be interested in re-evaluating an acquisition of Artio Globals assets. During the
conversation, Mr. Williams informed Party G that should it wish to put forth a competitive bid for Artio Global, it should do so promptly and at a price that represented a substantial premium to the tangible book value of Artio Globals
assets. Mr. Williams provided this instruction to Party G at the direction of the Committee in light of Aberdeens proposed acquisition price of $2.75 per share and the need to move quickly in discussions with potential buyers due to,
among other things, the continued AUM decreases and further expected AUM outflows, the progress in discussions with Aberdeen, and the potential adverse impact on Artio Global and its stockholders of losing the Aberdeen opportunity as a result of
undue delays. Party G provided no indication in that conversation or thereafter that it was willing to do so or interested in doing so.
On February 11, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The
Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions with and among Aberdeen, Messrs. Pell and Younes and the Significant Shareholder relating to the potential transaction with Aberdeen, including the status
of the Merger Agreement, Voting Agreements, Restated TRA and other related documents; the status of discussions with other potential buyers; other work streams related to the Aberdeen transaction, including public communications strategies, and the
timing of Goldman Sachss analysis relating to its opinion on the fairness of the transaction from a financial point of view. The Committee then excused Messrs. Williams and Harte from the meeting and discussed potential awards for the proposed
SARs recipients in lieu of the SARs.
Also on February 11, 2013, Davis Polk received from Willkie Farr a revised draft of
the Merger Agreement. Compared to the draft Merger Agreement that Davis Polk had sent to Willkie Farr on February 7, 2013, the revised draft Merger Agreement proposed, among other things, (i) a closing condition that 40% of the shareholders of
certain of Artio Globals equity mutual funds have voted and that 90% of such shareholders have voted in favor of the transaction, which we refer to as the Equity Fund Consent Requirements, a less-demanding requirement than
contemplated in previous drafts of the Merger Agreement received from Aberdeen; (ii) a termination fee of 3.3% (down from 3.5% in the most recent Aberdeen draft) of the transaction value payable by Artio Global under certain circumstances; and (iii)
a drop-dead date of eight months (as opposed to nine month proposed by Artio Global) from the signing date.
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Also on February 11, 2013, Mr. Pell reached preliminary agreement with Aberdeen on
the terms of the Restated TRA. Later that evening, at the Committees direction, Goldman Sachs had a telephone conversation with Mr. Younes to discuss potential concessions under the TRA.
On February 12, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions among Aberdeen, Messrs. Pell and Younes and the Significant Shareholder relating to the
potential transaction with Aberdeen. Goldman Sachs reviewed with the Committee its preliminary financial analysis of the proposed merger consideration. The Committee then discussed with its advisors certain key outstanding issues in the Merger
Agreement and provided specific directions on how to respond to Aberdeen, including that Davis Polk should try to further reduce the percentage thresholds in the Equity Fund Consent Requirements in order to further reduce conditionality of the
transaction. The Committee then excused Messrs. Williams and Harte from the meeting and discussed with its advisors possible retention awards to the potential SARs recipients in lieu of the SARs in light of their importance to Artio Global in
ensuring that any announced transaction thereafter close and in preserving the value of Artio Global in any stand-alone scenario. Goldman Sachs reported Aberdeens previous position that any such awards were expressly not assumed in
Aberdeens original proposal and therefore should result in a corresponding decrease in the purchase price paid for Artio Global in a potential transaction. Goldman Sachs also noted that it had relayed to Aberdeens financial advisor the
Committees view of the importance of the potential SARs recipients and the other reasons, noted at prior Committee meetings, for why these awards should be granted and that the financial advisor was having further discussions with Aberdeen on
this issue.
Also on February 12, 2013, Artio Global reported preliminary month-end AUM of $14.0 billion as of
January 31, 2013, down from $14.3 billion as of December 31, 2012.
Between February 9 and February 13,
2013, the parties to the Merger Agreement, the Voting Agreements, and the Restated TRA continued to negotiate and exchange drafts of those agreements through their advisors. Under the Merger Agreement, among other things, Aberdeen agreed to amend
the percentage thresholds in the Equity Fund Consent Requirements from 40% and 90%, respectively, to 40% and 80%, respectively; and to a termination fee of approximately 3.25% of the transactions equity value (which fee was understood by the
Committee, after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, to be within the range of market practice in relative amount for public company transactions of this sort). Under the Restated TRA, Messrs. Pell and Younes agreed, among other
concessions, to waive the Sufficient Income Assumption. As a result, if the potential Merger is consummated in 2013, the full amount of payments they otherwise would be entitled to receive under the TRA with respect to tax years 2014 through 2035
(including the $131 million in payments they otherwise would be entitled to based on the prior analysis) had the TRA Change of Control Provision and the Sufficient Income Assumption been applicable, will be at risk and will be subject, among other
things, to the ability of the surviving entity in the Merger and its U.S. affiliates to generate sufficient U.S. taxable income. Under the Restated TRA, Messrs. Pell and Younes also agreed with Aberdeen that (i) beginning in 2014,
Aberdeens other U.S. tax assets created both before and after the potential acquisition of Artio Global (which assets, based on information provided by Aberdeen, included significant net operating losses at or around the end of January 2013
and are subject to further changes as such tax assets may be used and new tax assets may be created from time to time) will be taken into account before Artios historic tax benefits, a reformulation that could further reduce the likelihood
and/or amount of payments due to Messrs. Pell and Younes under the Restated TRA; (ii) with respect to tax year 2012, they will receive the payments that they were entitled to under the original TRA, all of which have already accrued on Artio
Globals balance sheet; and (iii) with respect to tax year 2013, they will receive a stipulated payment estimated to be approximately $7.0 million, a material portion of which will likely have accrued on Artio Globals balance sheet
by the effective time of the potential Merger with Aberdeen.
On February 13, 2013, the Committee held two telephonic
meetings attended by Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. Prior to the meetings, the Committee members had received copies of the draft Merger Agreement (including the draft disclosure letter contemplated thereby), the
draft Restated TRA, the draft Voting Agreements, the draft Board and Committee resolutions, a summary of the terms the draft Merger Agreement and related documents, presentation materials prepared by Davis Polk regarding the Committees
fiduciary duties and presentation materials prepared by Goldman Sachs regarding, among other things, its
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fairness analysis. Goldman Sachs reported that, after further discussions, Aberdeen continued to maintain its position that any SAR-related awards should result in a corresponding reduction to
the purchase price payable to Artio Globals shareholders in a potential transaction. The Committee had a lengthy discussion with its advisors regarding Aberdeens response. The Committee reiterated its views, discussed at prior Committee
meetings, that Artio Global would not agree to any price reductions that would reduce value to its shareholders in connection with such awards, and that it would be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders to grant such awards due
to, among other things, the importance of the potential recipients to ensuring that any announced transaction is thereafter consummated and to preserving the value of Artio Global were it to remain independent in the event the closing does not occur
or otherwise. The Committee then invited Messrs. Williams and Harte to join the meeting and state their views regarding the SARs or potential replacement awards thereof. Messrs. Williams and Harte expressed their views that it would be preferable
for Artio Global to be able to grant such retention awards for the business reasons noted by the Committee, but that it was nonetheless in the best interests of Artio Globals stockholders to proceed with a transaction with Aberdeen at the
$2.75 offer price even if no such retention awards could be made. The Committee concurred with this view but directed Mr. Ledwidge to communicate directly the Committees views in this regard to Aberdeens CEO. Mr. Ledwidge left
the meeting to make the telephone call to Mr. Gilbert. After Mr. Ledwidge returned to the meeting, Goldman Sachs left the meeting to have further telephone conversations with Mr. Gilbert at Mr. Gilberts request and at the
direction of the Committee. After further discussions with Mr. Gilbert, Goldman Sachs returned to the meeting and reported that Aberdeen had agreed to permit Artio Global to adopt retention incentives on terms to be agreed by Aberdeen and Artio
Global, between the signing and closing of a potential transaction, providing retention awards in the aggregate of $2.775 million for the potential SARs recipients (as opposed to the approximately $3.8 million aggregate amount of the awards
requested by the Committee) in lieu of the SARs without reducing Aberdeens $2.75 per share offer price for Artio Global. The reduced amount of the retention was acceptable to and approved by the Committee, with the full amount of the decrease
to be borne by Mr. Williams (the proposed retention package of $1,221,000 would be decreased to $610,500) and Mr. Harte (the proposed retention package of $999,000 would be decreased to $499,500). Goldman Sachs also reported that it had
received a last-minute, inbound inquiry from an advisor claiming to represent a potential strategic buyer referred to herein as Party P, which had expressed an interest in exploring a possible acquisition of Artio. Based on the description of the
discussions with such advisor, the very preliminary nature of the inquiry, and the inability of such advisor to have Party P directly confirm its support of such inquiry on its behalf in a timely manner, the Committee concluded that there was no
reason to believe that the inquiry was likely to result in a transaction that would present a superior value proposition to Artio Globals stockholders than the $2.75 per share offer by Aberdeen. Following discussions, the Committee determined
that it would not be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders to delay the potential transaction with Aberdeen because of Party Ps inquiry and noted that Party P would have an opportunity to submit a proposal after the
announcement of a transaction, were it seriously interested in Artio Global. Davis Polk reviewed with the Committee a summary of the terms of the draft transaction documents and the Committees fiduciary duties. Goldman Sachs again reviewed
with the Committee its financial analysis of the proposed merger consideration and delivered its oral opinion to the Committee, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated February 13, 2013, that, as of such date and
based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the $2.75 per share in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Artio Globals Class A common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement
was fair from a financial point of view to such holders. Goldman Sachss financial analysis and written opinion are described below under Opinion of the Committees Financial Advisor beginning on page 54 of this
document. The Committee had previously directed Goldman Sachs to use the 2013/2014 Base Case projections (as defined in the section of this proxy statement entitled Proposal 1The MergerOpinion of the Committees Financial
Advisor beginning on page 54) in connection with its financial analysis because these projections reflected Artio Globals senior managements best estimates of the likely financial performance and results of operations of Artio
Global in fiscal years 2013 and 2014. In connection with Goldman Sachss discussion of its past and potential future business relationships with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., an approximately 19% stockholder of Aberdeen as of February
28, 2013, which relationships were disclosed to the Committee at the December 14, 2011 Committee meeting, the Committee reiterated its determination that there were no material conflicts that would impair the ability of Goldman Sachs to provide the
Committee with independent advice and that nothing had changed the determination, initially made during the December 14, 2011
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Committee meeting, that there was no need to engage a second investment bank to act as co-financial advisor to the Committee. Among other things, the Committee reviewed sensitivity analyses which
showed the severe extent of additional cost cutting that would be required so that the valuation multiples provided by Aberdeens $2.75 per share offer (which in many cases were higher than those of comparable companies and in comparable
transactions) would fall within or approach the range of multiples of comparable companies and in comparable transactions. The Committee also reviewed and discussed the other reasons for proceeding with the Merger. Following these presentations and
extensive discussions, the Committee unanimously (i) approved the form, terms, provisions, and conditions of the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA, substantially in the forms presented, and the transactions contemplated thereby (including
the grant of the Standstill Waivers) and (ii) resolved to recommend to the Board that it authorize and approve the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA in substantially the forms presented and the transactions contemplated thereby, and
recommend the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by Artio Globals stockholders.
Immediately following the two Committee meetings, the Board and the Compensation Committee held a joint telephonic meeting attended by
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Board. Prior to the meeting, the Board members had received copies of the draft Merger Agreement (including the draft disclosure letter contemplated thereby), the draft Restated TRA, the draft
Voting Agreements, the draft Committee resolutions, a summary of the terms the draft Merger Agreement and related documents, presentation materials prepared by Davis Polk regarding the Committees fiduciary duties and presentation materials
prepared by Goldman Sachs regarding, among other things, its financial analysis. Davis Polk reviewed with the Board a summary of the terms of the proposed Merger Agreement (including the disclosure letter contemplated thereby), Restated TRA and
Voting Agreements. Davis Polk reviewed with the Board its fiduciary duties and other legal considerations. Goldman Sachs reviewed with the Board its financial analysis of the proposed merger consideration and confirmed to the Board that it had
delivered its oral opinion to the Committee, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery of a written opinion to the Committee dated February 13, 2013, that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth
therein, the $2.75 per share in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Artio Globals Class A common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders.
Goldman Sachss financial analysis and written opinion are described below under Opinion of the Committees Financial Advisor beginning on page 54. The Board also reviewed and discussed the reasons for proceeding
with the Merger and received from the Committee its unanimous recommendation in favor of the Merger. Following these presentations and extensive discussions, the Board unanimously (i) approved the form, terms, provisions, and conditions of the
Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA, substantially in the forms presented, and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the grant of the Standstill Waivers) and (ii) resolved to recommend the approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger by Artio Globals stockholders. The Compensation Committee then discussed with Davis Polk and approved (in light of, among other things, the approved transaction with Aberdeen) certain retention arrangements for certain
of Artio Globals portfolio managers.
Later on February 13, 2013, each of the Merger Agreement, the Restated TRA and
the Voting Agreements was executed and delivered by each party thereto. Prior to the open of the financial markets in the United States and the United Kingdom on February 14, 2013, Artio Global issued a press release announcing the Merger.
Reasons for the Merger
As described above in the section entitled Background of the Merger beginning on page 26, in evaluating the Merger Agreement and the Merger, the Committee and the Board (acting upon the
recommendation of the Committee) consulted with Artio Globals management and the Committees legal and financial advisors. In reaching their unanimous decisions to authorize and adopt the Merger Agreement and to recommend that Artio
Global stockholders vote for the approval of the Merger Agreement, the Committee and the Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) considered a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:
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Artio Globals business, strategy, current and projected financial condition and current earnings and earnings prospects;
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the risks and uncertainties associated with maintaining Artio Globals existence as a stand-alone company, as discussed in the third succeeding
bullet point below, and the opportunities presented by the Merger;
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the fact that the merger consideration consists solely of cash, providing Artio Global stockholders with certainty of value and liquidity upon
consummation of the Merger;
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recent and historical market prices for Artio Global common stock, as compared to the merger consideration, including the fact that the merger
consideration of $2.75 per share represents:
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a 34% premium to the $2.05 closing price per share of Artio Global common stock on February 13, 2013, the last trading day before public
announcement of the Merger Agreement;
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a 38% and 35% premium to the average closing price of Artio Globals stock over the last 30- and 90-calendar-day trading average, respectively;
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a 29% and 14% premium to the peak closing price of Artio Globals stock over the last 30- and 90-calendar-day trading period, respectively; and
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a 25% premium to the median analyst price target for Artio Global of $2.20;
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the Committees and the Boards belief that the $2.75 per share merger consideration exceeds Artio Globals likely value as an
independent company, particularly given the risks associated with operating Artio Global as a stand-alone public company, which belief was based on a number of factors, including:
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the substantial deterioration of Artio Globals AUM and revenues, as described above in the section entitled Background to the
Merger beginning on page 26, particularly with respect to Artio Globals flagship IE Strategies, which had experienced eleven consecutive quarters of underperformance at the time the Committee began considering strategic alternatives, and
which continued to significantly underperform during the course of the 2012 fiscal year, culminating, as of December 31, 2012, in a loss of approximately 74% of Artio Globals AUM and a decline of approximately 92% in Artio Globals
share price since its initial public offering;
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the fact that the investment performance of the IE Strategies was close to the bottom of its peer group over the past three-year period (ranking on the
date that the Board approved the Merger in the bottom 91st96th percentile depending on fund) and five-year period (ranking on such date in the bottom 87th100th percentile depending on fund) and would require multiple consecutive years of
outperforming its peers before those funds would be in a position to raise significant new assets;
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the impact of such deterioration on the stability of Artio Globals business, including, without limitation, with respect to:
(i) reputational harm and the risk of accelerated outflows; (ii) the inability to win substantial new business through organic growth to offset the International Equity outflows, even within Artio Globals best-performing products;
and (iii) the increasing difficulty and cost of retaining key personnel;
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the fact that, even accounting for Artio Globals restructuring and expense-reduction efforts, Artio Globals revenues had declined
substantially more rapidly than its costs, leading to forecasts for substantial and prolonged net losses and erosion of cash balances making it difficult, among other things, for Artio Global to pay competitive compensation, thereby increasing the
risk of employee attrition;
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the opinion of the Committee that, in light of Artio Global managements revenue projections for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014, which projections
are set forth in the section entitled Certain Financial Projections beginning on page 63, Artio Global would be unable to maintain positive earnings per share in 2013 and 2014 through realistic and attainable expense reductions;
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the Committees analysis of other strategic alternatives for Artio Global, based on, among other things, the Committees knowledge of
(i) Artio Globals business, financial condition and results of operations, from both a historical and a prospective perspective, and (ii) the risk-adjusted probabilities associated with achieving Artio Globals long-term
strategic plan as a stand-alone company as compared to the certainty of value and opportunity afforded to Artio Global stockholders by way of the Merger;
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the general risks that market conditions could affect the price of Artio Global common stock, as well as the other risks and uncertainties discussed in
Artio Globals public filings with the SEC (including, without limitation, risks associated with investment strategy performance and client attrition, the loss of key personnel, reliance on third-party services and distribution sources, and
unforeseen regulatory, compliance or other governmental policies, including those related to Artio Globals investments in securities of companies located outside of the U.S.);
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the risk that present and future macroeconomic trends in the asset management industry may disfavor fixed income strategies, the key driver of the
Corporations current valuation, and look more favorably on equity strategies, an investment area in which Artio Global would not be competitive, given its recent IE Strategies track record and the closure of its U.S. equity funds; and
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the uncertainty of attaining managements internal financial projections, including those set forth in the section entitled Certain
Financial Projections beginning on page 63, particularly in light of the fact that Artio Global has underperformed relative to managements financial forecasts in the past and that Artio Globals future financial performance could
similarly differ materially from the current projected results;
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the opinion of Goldman Sachs to the Committee that, as of February 13, 2013 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth
therein, the $2.75 per share in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders, and the
financial analyses related thereto prepared by Goldman Sachs and described below under Opinion of the Committees Financial Advisor beginning on page 54;
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the fact that the Committee had negotiated an increase in the merger consideration to $2.75 per share from Aberdeens initial proposal of $2.35
per share in January 2013 and had also negotiated a reduction in the termination fee from 3.5% of the transaction value plus reimbursement of certain of Aberdeens transaction expenses (totaling up to approximately 4.1% of the transaction
value) to approximately 3.25% of the transaction value without additional expense reimbursement;
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the fact that, since December of 2011, the Committee, its financial advisor and/or Artio Global management had communicated with 58 potential buyers as
part of an extensive and far-reaching effort to explore strategic alternatives, and the fact that, at the time Artio Global entered into the Merger Agreement with Aberdeen, none of the Committee, the Board or Artio Global management believed there
was a reasonable expectation that Artio Global could find a value-maximizing alternative for its stockholders to the offer made by Aberdeen;
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the fact that the Committees legal and financial advisors were involved throughout the process and negotiations and updated the Committee
directly and regularly, thereby providing the Committee with additional perspectives on any negotiations in addition to those of Artio Globals management;
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the assessment of the Committee and the Board that Aberdeen would have adequate capital resources to pay the merger consideration;
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the Committees and the Boards analyses of the impact of the concessions made by Messrs. Pell and Younes under the TRA, as requested by
Aberdeen, on Aberdeens willingness to acquire Artio Global and the value Aberdeen was and is willing to offer to Artio Globals public stockholders;
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the fact that both the Committee and the Board, on the Committees recommendation, were unanimous in their determinations to recommend the Merger
Agreement for approval by Artio Global stockholders;
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the Committees and the Boards review of the structure of the Merger and the financial and other terms of the Merger Agreement, including
the following specific terms:
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the limited and otherwise customary conditions to the parties obligations to complete the Merger, which excluded conditions or price adjustments
related to Artio Globals AUM or revenue run rate at the time of closing, increasing the likelihood that the Merger would be consummated;
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the ability of Artio Global, subject to certain conditions, to provide information to, and engage in discussions or negotiations with, a third party
that makes an unsolicited acquisition proposal that constitutes or is reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal;
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the ability of the Board, subject to certain conditions, to change its recommendation that the Artio Global stockholders approve the Merger Agreement
in response to a superior proposal and, in addition, to terminate the Merger Agreement in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal, if the Board determines in good faith, after consultation with
its financial advisor and outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties;
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the ability of Artio Global to specifically enforce Aberdeens obligations under the Merger Agreement, including its obligations to consummate the
Merger;
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the customary nature of the representations, warranties and covenants of Artio Global in the Merger Agreement; and
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the fact that the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement minimize, to the extent reasonably practical, the risk that a condition to closing would
not be satisfied and also provide reasonable flexibility to operate Artio Globals business during the pendency of the Merger; and
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the Committees and Boards review of the Voting Agreements in connection with the transaction, including the fact that: (i) given the
risks to the business associated with failing to close an announced transaction, the Voting Agreements promoted closing certainty for the Artio Global stockholders; (ii) the Voting Agreements were required by Aberdeen and supported the offer of
its highest price; and (iii) the agreements would terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement, including if Artio Global terminated the Merger Agreement to accept a superior proposal.
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In the course of its deliberations, the Committee and the Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee), in consultation with
Artio Globals management and the Committees legal and financial advisors, also considered a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors relating to the Merger, including the following:
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the fact that the completion of the Merger would result in Artio Global stockholders not having the opportunity to participate in Artio Globals
future earnings growth and the future appreciation of the value of its capital stock that might occur if its strategic plan were successfully implemented on a stand-alone basis;
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the fact that the Merger is conditioned upon the consent of the stockholders of certain Artio Global public funds, as well as receipt of certain
regulatory and other consents, which are beyond Artio Globals control;
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the fact that certain of Artio Globals directors and executive officers may receive certain benefits that are different from, and in addition to,
those of Artio Globals other stockholders. See the section entitled Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger beginning on page 67;
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the fact that Artio Global has incurred and will continue to incur significant transaction costs and expenses in connection with the proposed
transaction, regardless of whether the Merger is consummated;
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the risk that the Merger may not be consummated despite the parties efforts or that consummation may be unduly delayed, even if the requisite
approval is obtained from Artio Global stockholders, including the possibility that conditions to the parties obligations to complete the Merger may not be satisfied, and the potential resulting disruptions to Artio Globals business;
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the potential negative effect of the pendency of the Merger on Artio Globals business and relationships with employees, clients and other
stakeholders, including the risks of client attrition and that certain key personnel might choose not to remain employed with Artio Global, regardless of the completion of the Merger;
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the fact that Artio Globals operations are restricted by the interim operating covenants in the Merger Agreement during the period between the
execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger, which restrictions could effectively prohibit Artio Global from undertaking material strategic initiatives or other material transactions that would otherwise be beneficial to Artio
Global and its stockholders; and
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the fact that the merger consideration will potentially be taxable to Artio Global stockholders.
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After considering the foregoing potentially positive and potentially negative factors, the Committee and the Board (acting upon the
recommendation of the Committee) concluded that the potentially positive factors relating to the Merger Agreement and the Merger substantially outweighed the potentially negative factors.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Committee and the Board (acting upon the recommendation of the
Committee) is not exhaustive, but is intended to reflect the material factors considered by the Committee and the Board in their consideration of the Merger. In view of the complexity, and the large number, of the factors considered, the Committee
and the Board, both individually and collectively, did not quantify or assign any relative or specific weight to the various factors. Rather, the Committee and the Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) based their recommendations
on the totality of the information presented to and considered by them. In addition, individual members of the Committee and the Board may have given different weights to different factors.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Committee and the Board involves information, estimates, and
opinions that are forward-looking in nature. The forward-looking information, estimates and opinions should be read in light of the factors set forth in the section entitled Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
beginning on page 20.
Recommendation of the Artio Global Board of Directors
After careful consideration and upon the unanimous recommendation of the Committee, the Artio Global Board has unanimously determined that
the Merger Agreement and the Merger are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Artio Global and its stockholders (other than Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes), and has unanimously authorized and adopted the Merger Agreement and approved
the Merger.
THE ARTIO GLOBAL BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE ARTIO GLOBAL STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE MERGER AGREEMENT.
Opinion of the Committees Financial Advisor
Goldman Sachs delivered its opinion to the Committee that, as of February 13, 2013 and based upon and subject to the factors and
assumptions set forth therein, the $2.75 in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such
holders.
The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated February 13, 2013, which sets forth assumptions
made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex D to this proxy statement. Goldman Sachs provided its opinion for the information and assistance of the
Committee in connection with its consideration of the Merger. Goldman Sachss opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of Class A common stock of Artio Global should vote with respect to the Merger or any other
matter.
In connection with rendering the opinion described above and performing its related financial analyses, Goldman
Sachs reviewed, among other things:
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annual reports to stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of Artio Global for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2011;
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Artio Globals Registration Statement on Form S-1, including the prospectus contained therein, dated September 23, 2009, relating to Artio
Globals initial public offering of Class A common stock;
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certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Artio Global;
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certain other communications from Artio Global to its stockholders;
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certain publicly available research analyst reports for Artio Global; and
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certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Artio Global for 2013 and 2014 prepared by its management, as approved for Goldman Sachss
use by the Committee (the Forecasts, comprising the 2013 Base Case and 2014 Base Case, each of which is described in further detail in the section entitled Certain Financial Projections beginning
on page 63).
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Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior management of Artio Global
regarding managements assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of Artio Global; reviewed the reported price and trading activity for Class A common stock of Artio Global; compared
certain financial and stock market information for Artio Global with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded; reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the asset
management industry and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as Goldman Sachs deemed appropriate.
For purposes of rendering its opinion, Goldman Sachs, with the consent of the Committee, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal, regulatory, tax, accounting
and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by Goldman Sachs, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed with the consent of the Committee that the Forecasts have
been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of Artio Global. Goldman Sachs has not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any
contingent, derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of Artio Global, its funds or any of their respective subsidiaries and Goldman Sachs has not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. Goldman Sachs assumed that
all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Merger will be obtained without any adverse effect on the expected benefits of the Merger in any way meaningful to Goldman Sachss analysis.
Goldman Sachs has also assumed that the Merger will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to Goldman Sachss
analysis.
Goldman Sachss opinion does not address the underlying business decision of Artio Global to engage in the
Merger, or the relative merits of the Merger as compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to Artio Global; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. Goldman Sachss opinion addresses only the
fairness from a financial point of view, as of February 13, 2013, of the $2.75 in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Goldman
Sachs does not express any view on, and its opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the Merger Agreement or the Merger or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Merger Agreement or entered into or
amended in connection with the Merger, including the fairness of the Merger to, or any consideration received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of Artio Global; nor as to the
fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers, directors or employees of Artio Global, or class of such persons, in connection with the Merger, whether relative to the $2.75 in cash to be paid to
the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement or otherwise. Goldman Sachs is not expressing any opinion as to the impact of the Merger on the solvency or viability
of Artio Global, its funds or Aberdeen or the ability of Artio Global, its funds or Aberdeen to pay their respective obligations when they come due. Goldman Sachss opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions
as in effect on, and the information made available to
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Goldman Sachs as of, February 13, 2013, and Goldman Sachs assumes no responsibility for updating, revising or reaffirming its opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring
after February 13, 2013. Goldman Sachss advisory services and its opinion were provided for the information and assistance of the Committee in connection with its consideration of the Merger and such opinion does not constitute a
recommendation as to how any holder of Class A common stock of Artio Global should vote with respect to the Merger or any other matter. Goldman Sachss opinion was approved by a fairness committee of Goldman Sachs.
The following is a summary of the material financial analyses delivered by Goldman Sachs to the Committee in connection with rendering the
opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Goldman Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent the relative importance or weight given
to those analyses by Goldman Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a complete description of the
financial analyses performed by Goldman Sachs. Except as otherwise noted, the following quantitative information, to the extent that it is based on market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before February 12, 2013, which was the
last trading day prior to the date that Goldman Sachs delivered its opinion to the Committee, and is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions. Goldman Sachs advised the Committee that it did not undertake a discounted cash flow
analysis or a comparison of multiples of earnings and for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, referred to below as EBITDA, or net income in connection with rendering its fairness opinion because the Forecasts
did not project positive cash flows, EBITDA or net income for Artio Global in 2013 and 2014 (and no projections beyond 2014 were prepared by Artio Global).
Historical Stock Trading Analysis
Goldman Sachs reviewed the
historical trading prices and volumes for the Class A common stock of Artio Global. In addition, Goldman Sachs compared the consideration to be paid to holders of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement in
relation to the historical trading price of Class A common stock of Artio Global. This comparison indicated that the $2.75 in cash to be paid to the holders of Class A common stock of Artio Global pursuant to the Merger Agreement
represented:
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a premium of 29% to the closing price of Class A common stock of Artio Global of $2.14 on February 12, 2013;
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a premium of 36% and 34% to the average closing price of Class A common stock of Artio Global over the last 30 trading days and 90 trading days,
respectively;
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a premium of 29% and 14% to the peak closing price of Class A common stock of Artio Global over the last 30 trading days and 90 trading days,
respectively; and
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a premium of 25% to the median research analyst price target of $2.20.
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Illustrative Future Trading Price Analyses
Goldman
Sachs performed an illustrative analysis of the implied present value of the future trading price of Artio Global based on two financial metrics:
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Artio Globals market capitalization as a multiple of run-rate revenue, referred to below as Market Cap/RR Revenues, which was
calculated during the period December 2011 through February 2013 and yielded an illustrative range of multiples of 1.4x to 2.0x. Run-rate revenue for the purpose of this analysis was calculated by multiplying Artio Globals reported quarterly
revenue for the applicable quarter by four; and
|
|
|
|
Artio Globals premium to book value as a multiple of run-rate revenues, referred to below as Premium to BV/RR Revenues, which was
calculated during the period December 2011 through February 2013 and yielded an illustrative range of multiples of (0.2)x to 0.5x.
|
For the Market Cap/RR Revenues analysis, Goldman Sachs first multiplied Artio Globals projected investment management fees for each of the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014 (amounting to
$60.3 million and $59.3 million, respectively), as set forth in the Forecasts, by multiples of 1.4x to 2.0x to
56
determine an implied market capitalization for Artio Global at the end of each such year. For the Premium to BV/RR Revenues analysis, Goldman Sachs first multiplied Artio Globals projected
investment management fees for each of the years ending December 31, 2013 and 2014, as set forth in the Forecasts, by multiples of (0.2)x to 0.5x to determine an implied premium/(discount) to the book value of Artio Global at the end of each
such year Goldman Sachs then applied such premium/(discount) to the projected book value of Artio Global, as set forth in the Forecasts, at December 31, 2013 and 2014 to determine an implied market capitalization of Artio Global at each such
date.
Goldman Sachs then divided each such implied market capitalization by the number of average diluted shares of Artio
Global projected in the Forecasts to be outstanding in 2013 and 2014 (which were 60.7 million and 62.6 million, respectively) to determine an implied trading price per share of Class A common stock of Artio Global at December 31,
2013 and 2014. These implied future trading prices were then discounted back to February 12, 2013 using a discount rate of 18%, reflecting an estimate of Artio Globals cost of equity. Estimates for Artio Globals cost of equity were
derived by application of the Capital Asset Pricing Model, which takes into account certain company-specific metrics, including betas for Artio Global and selected companies that exhibited similar business characteristics to Artio Global, as well as
certain financial metrics for the United States financial markets generally. This analysis yielded an illustrative range of present values of the future implied per share trading prices of Class A common stock of Artio Global of $0.95 to $1.68
for the Market Cap/RR Revenue analysis and $1.17 to $2.16 for the Premium to BV/RR Revenue analysis.
Selected Companies
Analysis
Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared certain financial information, ratios
and public market multiples for Artio Global to the corresponding financial information, ratios and public market multiples for the following companies in the asset management industry:
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Franklin Resources Inc.
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|
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
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|
Affiliated Managers Group Inc.
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|
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
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|
Waddell & Reed Financial Inc.
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|
Federated Investors, Inc.
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|
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
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|
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
|
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|
Virtus Investment Partners Inc.
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|
|
|
Calamos Asset Management Inc.
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|
|
|
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
|
|
|
|
Pzena Investment Management, Inc.
|
57
Although none of the selected companies is entirely comparable to Artio Global, the
companies included were chosen because they are companies in the asset management industry for which publicly available research analyst forecasts were available and with operations, product profiles and clients that for purposes of analysis may be
considered similar to certain operations, product profiles and clients of Artio Global.
The estimates for EBITDA contained in
the analysis set forth below were based on Institutional Brokers Estimate System, which we refer to as IBES, median estimates and Wall Street research as of February 12, 2013.
In its analysis, Goldman Sachs derived for the selected companies:
|
|
|
enterprise value (which is defined as fully diluted equity value plus total debt, less total cash and cash equivalents), as of February 12, 2013,
as a multiple of revenue for calendar years 2013, referred to below as 2013 EV/Revenue, and 2014, referred to below as 2014 EV/Revenue; and
|
|
|
|
enterprise value, as of February 12, 2013, as a ratio of assets under management, referred to below as 2013 EV/AUM.
|
Goldman Sachs compared these ratios for the selected companies to two ratios for Artio Global. The first
ratio was equity value (or market capitalization), and the second ratio was illustrative enterprise value, which is defined as Artio Globals enterprise value less Artio Globals excess working capital. Goldman Sachs calculated Artio
Globals excess working capital as the amount projected in the Forecasts for Artio Globals working capital at the end of 2014 in excess of an assumed normalized level of working capital, with the normalized level based on the median level
of working capital, as a percentage of operating expenses, for Calamos Asset Management Inc., Cohen & Steers Inc., Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., Federated Investors, Inc., GAMCO Investors, Inc., Janus Capital Group, Inc.,
Manning & Napier, Inc., Pzena Investment Management, Inc., Virtus Investment Partners Inc. and Waddell & Reed Financial Inc. as of December 31, 2014, which was 58%. Using this percentage and based on the expenses as set forth
in the Forecasts, Goldman Sachs calculated Artio Globals excess working capital at the end of 2014 to be $69.0 million.
The results of this analysis are summarized as follows:
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
2013
EV/Revenue
|
|
2014
EV/Revenue
|
|
2013
EV/AUM (%)
|
Range of the Selected Companies (excluding Artio Global)
|
|
1.5x 10.2x
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|
1.5x 7.2x
|
|
0.6% 7.8%
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Mean of the Selected Companies (excluding Artio Global)
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4.0x
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3.4x
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2.7%
|
Median of the Selected Companies (excluding Artio Global)
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|
3.7x
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|
3.2x
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|
2.8%
|
Artio Global:
|
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|
|
|
|
Equity Value
|
|
2.9x
|
|
3.0x
|
|
1.3%
|
Illustrative Enterprise Value
|
|
1.8x
|
|
1.8x
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|
0.8%
|
58
The 2013 EV/Revenue, the 2014 EV/Revenue, the 2013 EV/AUM, the 2013 dividend yield and
the 5-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate of each of the selected companies reviewed by Goldman Sachs in its analysis, are as follows:
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Company
|
|
2013
EV/Revenue
|
|
2014
EV/Revenue
|
|
2013
EV/AUM
|
|
2013
Dividend
Yield
|
|
5-year EPS
CAGR
|
BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
4.4x
|
|
4.1x
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|
1.2%
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2.8%
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|
12.1%
|
Franklin Resources Inc.
|
|
3.2x
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|
3.0x
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|
3.5%
|
|
2.4%
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|
12.0%
|
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
|
|
5.6x
|
|
5.0x
|
|
3.3%
|
|
2.0%
|
|
13.0%
|
Invesco Ltd.
|
|
2.8x
|
|
2.5x
|
|
1.9%
|
|
2.8%
|
|
14.0%
|
Affiliated Managers Group Inc.
(1)
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|
4.2x
|
|
3.6x
|
|
2.2%
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|
0.0%
|
|
15.0%
|
AllianceBernstein Holding L.P.
|
|
2.0x
|
|
1.9x
|
|
1.4%
|
|
7.1%
|
|
6.3%
|
Eaton Vance Corp.
|
|
3.7x
|
|
3.4x
|
|
2.5%
|
|
2.1%
|
|
13.0%
|
Legg Mason Inc.
|
|
1.5x
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|
1.5x
|
|
0.6%
|
|
1.7%
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|
17.0%
|
Waddell & Reed Financial Inc.
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|
2.8x
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|
2.5x
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|
3.8%
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|
2.7%
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|
13.5%
|
Federated Investors, Inc.
|
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2.8x
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2.6x
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0.8%
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3.9%
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6.9%
|
Janus Capital Group, Inc.
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|
2.5x
|
|
2.3x
|
|
1.4%
|
|
2.7%
|
|
2.0%
|
GAMCO Investors, Inc.
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|
4.0x
|
|
N/A
|
|
3.9%
|
|
0.4%
|
|
8.0%
|
Cohen & Steers Inc.
|
|
4.6x
|
|
4.1x
|
|
3.1%
|
|
2.4%
|
|
9.0%
|
Manning & Napier, Inc.
|
|
3.8x
|
|
3.4x
|
|
3.2%
|
|
4.2%
|
|
8.0%
|
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
|
|
10.2x
|
|
7.2x
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|
7.8%
|
|
N/A
|
|
55.7%
|
Virtus Investment Partners Inc.
|
|
3.6x
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|
3.0x
|
|
3.2%
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Calamos Asset Management Inc.
|
|
3.4x
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3.2x
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|
2.8%
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|
4.8%
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|
10.0%
|
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
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5.6x
|
|
N/A
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2.8%
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|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Pzena Investment Management, Inc.
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4.8x
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|
4.4x
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|
2.4%
|
|
5.4%
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|
12.0%
|
(Source: Latest publicly available financial statements. Projected revenues, EBITDA, EBIT, earnings per share,
and earnings per share compound annualized growth rate based on IBES median estimates and/or other Wall Street research, including Goldman Sachs research where available. All research estimates have been calendarized to December. Equity market
capitalization based on diluted shares outstanding.)
(1)
|
Earnings-related figures for Affiliated Managers Group Inc. based on cash earnings per share.
|
Goldman Sachs also calculated Artio Globals annualized organic growth rate for each quarter of 2012 (calculated as net flows during
such quarter multiplied by four, then divided by beginning-of-period AUM) and compared the rate for each such quarter to that of the following eight selected companies (where available): Waddell & Reed Financial Inc., Federated Investors,
Inc., Janus Capital Group, Inc., GAMCO Investors, Inc., Cohen & Steers Inc., Virtus Investment Partners Inc., Calamos Asset Management Inc. and Pzena Investment Management, Inc.
The results of this analysis are summarized as follows:
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|
Q4 2012
|
|
Q3 2012
|
|
Q2 2012
|
|
Q1 2012
|
Artio Global
|
|
(86.6)%
|
|
(81.0)%
|
|
(67.1)%
|
|
(79.0)%
|
Median of Selected Companies
|
|
(1.9)%
|
|
3.7%
|
|
(9.4)%
|
|
3.1%
|
Range of Selected Companies
|
|
(36.5)% 16.1%
|
|
(8.9)% 79.4%
|
|
(13.6)% 14.6%
|
|
(23.7)% 21.7%
|
59
Selected Precedent Transactions Analysis
Goldman Sachs analyzed certain information relating to transactions in the asset management industry. Specifically, Goldman Sachs reviewed
the following transactions:
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|
Acquiror
|
|
Target
|
|
Date Announced
|
BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
Barclays Global Investors Ltd.
|
|
June 2009
|
Macquarie Bank Limited
|
|
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.
|
|
August 2009
|
Ameriprise Financial Inc.
|
|
Columbia Management Group, LLC
|
|
September 2009
|
Invesco Ltd.
|
|
Van Kampen Investments, Inc.
|
|
October 2009
|
Piper Jaffray Companies
|
|
Advisory Research Holdings, Inc.
|
|
December 2009
|
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
|
|
RBS Asset Management Limited
|
|
January 2010
|
Evercore Partners Inc.
|
|
Atalanta Sosnoff Capital, LLC
|
|
March 2010
|
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
|
|
Trilogy Global Advisors, LLC
|
|
September 2010
|
Royal Bank of Canada
|
|
BlueBay Asset Management plc
|
|
October 2010
|
The Bank of Nova Scotia
|
|
DundeeWealth Inc.
|
|
November 2010
|
Ashmore Group PLC
|
|
Emerging Markets Management, L.L.C.
|
|
February 2011
|
BT Investment Management Limited
|
|
J O Hambro Capital Management Limited
|
|
July 2011
|
Nuveen Investments, Inc.
|
|
Gresham Investment Management LLC
|
|
November 2011
|
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
|
|
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc.
|
|
December 2012
|
Although none of the companies that participated in the selected transactions is directly comparable to
Artio Global and none of the transactions in the selected transactions analysis is directly comparable to the Merger, Goldman Sachs selected these transactions because the transaction terms and financial results of the selected transactions were
publicly available, the selected transactions were announced since the 2008 financial crisis, and each of the target companies in the selected transactions was involved in the asset management industry and had operating characteristics and products
that for purposes of analysis may be considered similar to certain operating characteristics and products of Artio Global.
For each of the selected transactions, Goldman Sachs calculated and compared the equity value of the target company, calculated based on
the announced purchase price for the transaction, as a multiple of each of the financial metrics set forth below. Latest twelve-month, which we refer to as LTM, multiples were used for calendar year 2013, and run-rate multiples were used
for 2014. Run-rate multiples for each selected transaction were calculated as the purchase price divided by run-rate EBITDA or run-rate revenues for the target company at the time of the transaction (calculated by multiplying the targets
reported EBITDA or revenue (as applicable) for the applicable quarter by four).
The following table presents the results
of this analysis:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Transactions
|
|
|
Proposed Transaction
|
|
|
Range
|
|
|
Mean
|
|
|
Median
|
|
|
Equity Value
|
|
|
Illustrative
Enterprise
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 EV/Revenue
|
|
|
3.1x 6.3x
|
|
|
|
4.9x
|
|
|
|
5.1x
|
|
|
|
2.9x
|
|
|
|
1.8x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 EV/Revenue
|
|
|
1.3x 5.7x
|
|
|
|
3.3x
|
|
|
|
3.2x
|
|
|
|
3.0x
|
|
|
|
1.8x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013 EV/AUM (%)
|
|
|
0.3% 4.3%
|
|
|
|
2.4%
|
|
|
|
2.8%
|
|
|
|
1.3%
|
|
|
|
0.8%
|
|
60
The 2013 EV/Revenue, the 2014 EV/Revenue and the 2013 EV/AUM calculated by Goldman Sachs
for each of the selected precedent transactions are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target / Acquiror
|
|
2013
EV/Revenue
|
|
|
2014
EV/Revenue
|
|
|
2013
EV/AUM
|
|
EV/AUM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Global Investors Ltd. / BlackRock, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
%
|
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. / Macquarie Bank Limited
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
Columbia Management Group, LLC / Ameriprise Financial Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.3x
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
Van Kampen Investments, Inc. / Invesco Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2x
|
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
Advisory Research Holdings, Inc. / Piper Jaffray Companies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2x
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
RBS Asset Management Limited / Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
|
|
|
3.9x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.6
|
%
|
Atalanta Sosnoff Capital, LLC / Evercore Partners Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.7
|
%
|
Trilogy Global Advisors, LLC / Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BlueBay Asset Management plc / Royal Bank of Canada
|
|
|
6.3x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
DundeeWealth Inc. / The Bank of Nova Scotia
|
|
|
3.1x
|
|
|
|
2.2x
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
Emerging Markets Management, L.L.C. / Ashmore Group PLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.8
|
%
|
J O Hambro Capital Management Limited / BT Investment Management Limited
|
|
|
5.2x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
Gresham Investment Management LLC. / Nuveen Investments, Inc
|
|
|
5.0x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
%
|
Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. / The Toronto-Dominion Bank
|
|
|
6.3x
|
|
|
|
5.7x
|
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
(Source: Company filings and press releases.)
(Note: Where no multiples are indicated data was not available.)
Illustrative
Forecast Sensitivity Analysis
In both its Selected Companies Analysis and its Selected Precedent Transaction
Analysis, Goldman Sachs also derived multiples of enterprise value to EBITDA. As noted above, however, Goldman Sachs did not undertake a comparison of multiples of EBITDA for Artio Global because the Forecasts did not project positive EBITDA for
Artio Global in 2013 and 2014. Goldman Sachs nevertheless calculated that, if the operating expenses projected in the Forecasts for 2013 and 2014 (which were $96.7 million and $79.8 million, respectively) were hypothetically reduced, and if any such
reduction did not result in a corresponding reduction in Artio Globals revenue for the period, the following illustrative transaction multiples would result:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense Reduction (%):
|
|
2013 Estimates
|
|
|
2014 Estimates
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
20.0
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
20.0
|
|
|
30.0
|
|
|
40.0
|
|
|
50.0
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50.8x
|
|
|
|
15.2x
|
|
|
|
8.9x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45.1
|
|
|
|
16.2x
|
|
|
|
9.9x
|
|
|
|
7.1x
|
|
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial
analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summaries set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Goldman Sachss opinion. In
arriving at its fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness
on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to Artio Global or Aberdeen or the Merger.
Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of providing its opinion to the Committee that, as of February 13,
2013 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the $2.75 in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Aberdeen and its affiliates) of Class A common stock of Artio Global
61
pursuant to the Merger Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which
businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these
analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of Artio Global, Aberdeen, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if
future results are materially different from those forecast.
The $2.75 in cash to be paid to the holders of Class A
common stock of Artio Global was determined through arms-length negotiations between Artio Global and Aberdeen and was approved by the Committee. Goldman Sachs provided advice to the Committee during these negotiations. Goldman Sachs did not,
however, recommend any specific consideration to Artio Global or the Committee or recommend that any specific consideration constituted the only appropriate consideration for the Merger.
As described above, Goldman Sachss opinion to the Committee was one of many factors taken into consideration by the Committee in
making its determination to approve the Merger Agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with its opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex D to this proxy statement.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its
affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman,
Sachs & Co. and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities in which they invest or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives,
loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of Artio Global, its funds, Aberdeen, any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including GAM, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., an approximately 19%
stockholder of Aberdeen as of February 28, 2013, which we refer to as Mitsubishi, or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the transaction contemplated by the Merger Agreement for the accounts of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
and its affiliates and employees and their customers. Goldman Sachs has acted as financial advisor to the Committee in connection with, and have participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the transaction.
Goldman Sachs has provided certain investment banking services to Artio Global and its affiliates from time to time, for which Goldman
Sachss Investment Banking Division has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as a lender with respect to Artio Globals term loan facility (aggregate principal amount $60,000,000) through March 2012 and as a
lender with respect to Artio Globals revolving credit facility (aggregate principal amount $50,000,000) through March 2012. During the two-year period ended February 13, 2013, the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs has received
compensation for services provided to Artio Global and its affiliates of approximately $380,000, excluding compensation paid or to be paid to the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs pursuant to its engagement in connection with the Merger.
Goldman Sachs has also provided certain investment banking services to Mitsubishi and its affiliates, including The Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which we refer to as the Bank of Tokyo, from time to time for which Goldman Sachss Investment Banking Division has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as co-manager with
respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.555% bonds due January 2016 (aggregate principal amount $483,000,000) in January 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.510% bonds due April 2021
(aggregate principal amount $236,000,000) in April 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.710% bonds due April 2016 (aggregate principal amount $827,000,000) in April 2011; as co-manager with respect to a
public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.545% and 1.275% bonds due July 2016 and July 14, 2021, respectively (aggregate principal amount $984,000,000) in July 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.120%
bonds due October 2021 (aggregate principal amount $129,000,000) in October 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.465% bonds due October 2016 (aggregate principal amount $517,000,000) in October 2011; as
co-manager with respect to a public offering of Mitsubishis 0.460% bonds due January 2017 (aggregate principal amount $651,000,000) in January 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.070% bonds due April
2022 (aggregate principal amount $124,000,000) in April 2012; as co-manager with respect to a
62
public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.410% bonds due April 2017 (aggregate principal amount $495,000,000) in April 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of
Tokyos 0.865% bonds due July 2022 (aggregate principal amount $126,000,000) in July 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.275% bonds due July 2017 (aggregate principal amount $504,000,000) in July
2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.820% bonds due January 2023 (aggregate principal amount $112,000,000) in January 2013; and as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.240%
bonds due January 2018 (aggregate principal amount $447,000,000) in January 2013. Goldman Sachs may also in the future provide investment banking services to Artio Global, its funds, Aberdeen, GAM, Mitsubishi, Bank of Tokyo and their respective
affiliates for which Goldman Sachss Investment Banking Division may receive compensation. During the two-year period ended February 13, 2013, the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs has received compensation for services provided
to Mitsubishi and its affiliates of approximately $740,000.
The Committee selected Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor
because it is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to the Merger. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated January 12, 2012, the Committee engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its
financial advisor in connection with the Merger. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter, Artio Global has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a transaction fee of approximately $2.6 million, all of which is contingent upon consummation of the
Merger. In addition, Artio Global has agreed to reimburse certain of Goldman Sachss expenses arising, and indemnify Goldman Sachss against certain liabilities that may arise, out of its engagement.
Certain Financial Projections
Due to, among other reasons, the inherent unpredictability of forward-looking financial forecasting, Artio Global does not generally publish its business plan and strategies or make external disclosures
of its anticipated financial position or results of operations other than providing, from time to time, estimated ranges of certain expected financial results and operational metrics that are typically limited to the current year in its regular
earnings press releases and other investor materials. In connection with Artio Globals ordinary-course business planning, budgeting process, and monitoring of Artio Globals assets under management, which we refer to as AUM,
Artio Globals management prepared, and provided to Artio Globals board of directors, certain non-public financial projections for the fiscal year 2012 that were not intended for public disclosure. The tables set forth below include
summaries of projections referred to as the 2012 Budget, which was prepared in the fourth quarter of 2011, and the 2012 Budget Update, which was prepared in June of 2012. The 2012 Budget and 2012 Budget Update also were
provided to Goldman Sachs for its use in connection with advising the Committee with respect to its consideration of Artio Globals strategic alternatives.
At the Committees direction, Artio Globals management prepared certain other non-public financial projections, which were not intended for public disclosure, but which were provided to the
Committee to assist in its consideration of Artio Globals strategic alternatives. The tables set forth below include summaries of these projections, which include (1) the 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Base Case and the 2012
Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case, which were prepared in January of 2012, and (2) the 2013/2014 Base Case and the 2013/2014 Downside Case, which were prepared in February of 2013. The Committee directed Goldman
Sachs to use the 2013/2014 Base Case in connection with the financial analyses summarized in the section entitled Opinion of the Committees Financial Advisor beginning on page 54. During the extended time period described in
the section entitled Background of the Merger beginning on page 26, Artio Globals board of directors received incremental updates to the various projections in the ordinary course of its supervision of the business.
During the course of discussions between Artio Global and Aberdeen, Artio Global provided Aberdeen with certain summary
financial data, including certain profit and loss statements and summary balance sheets. These materials did not contain full financial projections, but included certain forward-looking run-rate estimates, as of November 30, 2012. The tables
set forth below include a summary of certain of these projections, referred to as November 30 Run-Rate Estimates, which were prepared in December of 2012 and related to all of Artio Globals investment teams. During the period of
its negotiations with Artio Global, Aberdeen received periodic updates to the AUM and revenue run rates to account for known changes in AUM.
63
All of the aforementioned sets of projections reflected various judgments, assumptions and
estimates of Artio Global management made in good faith when such projections were prepared with respect to a number of financial performance metrics, including, but not limited to, levels of AUM, rates of customer and employee attrition, the
ability to win new business and changes in portfolio performance, as well as general business, economic, market and financial conditions. The tables below reflect (1) the significant erosion of Artio Globals AUM and revenues (described
above in the sections entitled Background of the Merger beginning on page 26 and Reasons for the Merger beginning on page 50), (2) the corresponding trajectory of the projections of Artio Globals
management; and (3) the extent to which the AUM and revenue erosion consistently outpaced the expectations reflected in those projections. For illustrative and comparative purposes, the tables below include Artio Globals actual financial
performance in the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years, which we refer to as the 2011 Actual Results and the 2012 Actual Results, respectively.
None of the projections included below were prepared with a view toward public disclosure, nor were they prepared with a view toward compliance with published guidelines of the SEC, the guidelines
established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for preparation and presentation of financial projections, or generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the U.S., or GAAP. In addition, the financial
projections were not prepared with the assistance of, or reviewed, compiled or examined by, independent accountants.
Artio
Global cautions you that these financial projections are speculative in nature and based on subjective decisions and assumptions. The summary of these financial projections is not being included in this proxy statement to influence your decision as
to whether to vote for the Merger, but rather because, as noted above, these financial projections or summaries thereof were provided by Artio Global to the Artio Global board of directors, the Committee, Aberdeen and/or the Committees
financial advisor, Goldman Sachs.
Projections and Actual Adjusted Results Relating to Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011
Actual
Results
(adjusted)
(2)
|
|
|
2012
Budget
(adjusted)
(3)
|
|
|
2012 Pro
Forma
Stand-Alone
Base Case
(adjusted)
(4)
|
|
|
2012 Pro Forma
Stand-Alone
Downside Case
(adjusted)
(4)
|
|
|
2012
Budget
Update
(adjusted)
(5)
|
|
|
2012
Actual
Results
(adjusted)
(6)
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
|
276.0
|
|
|
|
169.8
|
|
|
|
169.8
|
|
|
|
114.8
|
|
|
|
127.9
|
|
|
|
124.3
|
|
Adjusted Expenses
(1)
|
|
|
145.0
|
|
|
|
140.1
|
|
|
|
121.5
|
|
|
|
112.1
|
|
|
|
121.8
|
|
|
|
106.4
|
|
Adjusted Operating Income
(1)
|
|
|
131.0
|
|
|
|
29.7
|
|
|
|
48.3
|
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
Adjusted Net Income
(1)
|
|
|
73.4
|
|
|
|
17.8
|
|
|
|
28.9
|
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
15.0
|
|
AUM (average)
|
|
|
44,427
|
|
|
|
28,744
|
|
|
|
28,744
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
22,729
|
|
|
|
21,816
|
|
AUM (end of period)
|
|
|
30,359
|
|
|
|
26,605
|
|
|
|
26,605
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
18,830
|
|
|
|
14,332
|
|
Net Client Cash Flows
|
|
|
(16,697
|
)
|
|
|
(7,380
|
)
|
|
|
(7,380
|
)
|
|
|
(13,985
|
)
|
|
|
(12,782
|
)
|
|
|
(18,576
|
)
|
(1)
|
Artio Globals regular financial results are reported on an adjusted basis from GAAP as are its budgets, and management provided the Committee with financial
projections on such an adjusted basis in order to assist it in the evaluation of Artio Globals strategic alternatives. The purpose and intent of these adjustments are to provide a more representative picture of Artio Globals financial
performance across periods on an operating basis. Specifically, the GAAP figures are adjusted to exclude the after-tax impact of certain items from expenses, including, but not limited to: (i) the compensation, benefits and general
and administrative costs associated with organizational changes; (ii) the amortization expense for restricted stock unit awards granted at the time of Artio Globals initial public offering; (iii) the valuation allowance on Artio
Globals deferred tax assets and related write-down of the liability under the Tax Receivable Agreement; and (iv) other items that management believes are non-recurring in nature. For a more detailed discussion of these adjustments, please
see pages 34-52 of Artio Globals Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which are incorporated herein by reference, which we refer to as our Annual Report.
|
(2)
|
This column reflects Artio Globals adjusted financial performance in the 2011 fiscal year and is included for illustrative and comparative purposes.
|
64
(3)
|
The 2012 Budget was prepared by Artio Global management in its ordinary-course business planning and budgeting process throughout the fourth quarter of
2011 and was presented to and approved by the Board in December 2011. The 2012 Budget assumed that, given the significant underperformance of International Equities during 2011, specifically in the second half of the year, International Equities
would be in a period of net outflows for the medium term and not be in a position to attract new institutional assets until the three-year track record (then in the 100
th
percentile) reflected significant improvement. It further assumed that in 2012: (i) Artio Global would take
certain limited expense-reduction measures; (ii) Artio Globals High Yield, High Grade and U.S. Equity products would experience net inflows of, in the aggregate, $3.1 billion, and International Equities would experience $10.2 billion of
net outflows; and (iii) the market would return 6% for equity products and 3-4% for fixed-income products.
|
(4)
|
In connection with its initial consideration of potential strategic alternatives, the Committee directed Artio Global management to develop the 2012 Pro Forma
Stand-Alone Base Case and 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case to illustrate Artio Globals potential future prospects as a stand-alone entity. The 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Base Case generally reflected the assumptions of the 2012 Budget,
but assumed an additional $19.4 million in expense reductions (not including severance-related charges, which are excluded from the adjusted figures) intended to re-size the business and expense base to correspond to its
substantially decreased AUM. The 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case assumed a lower average annual AUM and, correspondingly, even deeper expense cuts. The 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Base Case and 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case were
shared with the Committee on January 22, 2012. At the time the 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Base Case and 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case were shared with the Committee, the anticipated levels of AUM and net client outflows during
January, 2012 had called into question the 2012 Budgets AUM assumptions.
|
(5)
|
As part of its ongoing management responsibilities and its efforts to monitor and manage the continuing deterioration of Artio Globals AUM and revenues, Artio
Global management prepared periodic updates to the 2012 Budget during the course of the year, including the 2012 Budget Update that was generated halfway through the 2012 fiscal year and, thus, included actual results for the first six months of the
fiscal year 2012. Such periodic updates were routinely provided to Artio Globals board in connection with the Boards ordinary-course responsibility to oversee the management of the business in a manner unrelated to the Committees
consideration of strategic alternatives. The 2012 Budget Update reflected a substantial downward revision of the financial-performance expectations of the 2012 Budget in light of the significant reduction in AUM and the resulting impact on revenues.
At the time the 2012 Budget Update was completed, management had not finalized expense-saving initiatives associated with a potential downsizing of the business. The potential savings of such initiatives were therefore not included. Those savings
and the impact of reduced AUM and investment performance are reflected in Artio Globals adjusted actual financial performance in the 2012 fiscal year in the next column to the right, which factors account for a significant portion of the
difference between the adjusted net income projected in the 2012 Budget Update and that shown in the ultimate 2012 actual adjusted financial performance.
|
(6)
|
This column reflects Artio Globals adjusted financial performance in the 2012 fiscal year and is included for illustrative and comparative purposes. In addition
to the general adjustments described above in note (1), the figures in this column reflect substantial decreases in compensation-related expenses, in part as a result of accelerated work-force reduction and lower expenses related to Artio
Globals Long-Term Incentive Plan, resulting from a decline in investment performance. Additionally, shareholder servicing and marketing, as well as general and administrative expenses, were reduced due to cost savings and other expenses
directly correlated to lower average AUM and lower headcount, in part associated with the closing of Artio Globals U.S. Equity strategies and other expense-saving initiatives. Lastly, the positive impact of mark-to-market accounting treatment
with respect to Artio Globals seed capital investments improved the shown Adjusted Net Income.
|
November 30
Run-Rate Estimates
As noted above, Artio Global provided the November 30 Run-Rate Estimates, and periodic updates
thereto, to Aberdeen as part of Aberdeens consideration of an acquisition of Artio Global.
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nov. 30
Run-Rate
Estimates
(1)(2)
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
68.4
|
|
Adjusted Expenses
|
|
|
75.5
|
|
Adjusted Operating Income
|
|
|
(7.2
|
)
|
AUM
|
|
|
13,903
|
|
(1)
|
The November 30 Run-Rate Estimates reflected AUM as of November 30, 2012, plus known outflows for December 2012 and January 2013, but did not account for any
expected further client outflows and related reductions of AUM and revenues. The November 30 Run-Rate Estimates did not reflect: (i) the financial impact of retention awards, both with respect to awards granted in January 2013 to select
non-portfolio management employees and the potential arrangements being discussed with the fixed-income investment teams, that were assumed for the purposes of the 2013 and 2014 projections, as discussed below; (ii) costs related to sales
commissions; (iii) costs related to insurance; and (iv) costs relating to having a board of directors. If such expenses were included, the run-rate adjusted operating loss would be approximately $20.6 million. Additionally, the
November 30 Run-Rate Estimates only assumed the ongoing economic impact of certain deferred compensation awards to a prospective buyer and certain other expense synergies that a prospective buyer would be able to extract.
|
(2)
|
The AUM and revenue run rates of the November 30 Run-Rate Estimates were last updated for Aberdeen as of January 9, 2013 and reflected AUM, after known
outflows, of approximately $13.6 billion and a revenue run rate of $66.1 million. Artio Global provided an updated list of all client terminations to Aberdeen on an ongoing basis, including a list on the day of the signing of the Merger Agreement,
February 13, 2013
, which list also reflected an updated AUM, after known outflows, of approximately $13.3 billion.
|
Projections Relating to Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014
In connection
with its evaluation of Aberdeens offer to acquire Artio Global at $2.75 per share, the Committee instructed management to prepare certain financial projections for the fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Future financial performance is difficult to
predict in Artio Globals industry under any circumstances. The rapid deterioration of Artio Globals AUM and revenues and the resulting instability have made it more difficult for Artio Global to develop accurate projections.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2012
Actual
Results
(adjusted)
(1)
|
|
|
2013
Base Case
(adjusted)
(2)
|
|
|
2013
Downside
Case
(adjusted)
(3)
|
|
|
2014
Base Case
(adjusted)
(4)
|
|
|
2014
Downside
Case
(adjusted)
(5)
|
|
|
|
($ in millions)
|
|
Total Revenues
|
|
|
124.3
|
|
|
|
60.3
|
|
|
|
51.4
|
|
|
|
59.3
|
|
|
|
41.1
|
|
Adjusted Expenses
|
|
|
106.4
|
|
|
|
96.7
|
|
|
|
94.7
|
|
|
|
79.8
|
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
Adjusted Operating Income
|
|
|
17.9
|
|
|
|
(36.4
|
)
|
|
|
(43.3
|
)
|
|
|
(20.5
|
)
|
|
|
(35.8
|
)
|
Adjusted Net Income
|
|
|
15.0
|
|
|
|
(23.5
|
)
|
|
|
(29.3
|
)
|
|
|
(19.5
|
)
|
|
|
(35.8
|
)
|
AUM (average)
|
|
|
21,816
|
|
|
|
13,108
|
|
|
|
11,063
|
|
|
|
13,477
|
|
|
|
9,110
|
|
AUM (end of period)
|
|
|
14,332
|
|
|
|
13,100
|
|
|
|
9,223
|
|
|
|
13,855
|
|
|
|
8,988
|
|
Net Client Cash Flows
|
|
|
(18,576
|
)
|
|
|
(1,743
|
)
|
|
|
(5,256
|
)
|
|
|
642
|
|
|
|
(359
|
)
|
(1)
|
This column reflects Artio Globals adjusted financial performance in the 2012 fiscal year and is included for illustrative and comparative purposes.
|
(2)
|
The 2013 Base Case assumed that the underperformance sustained by the International Equity strategies since 2009 would result in continued outflows of
$2.6 billion and that, with improved investment performance, International Equity AUM would stabilize in the second half of the year at $1.9 billion. It further assumed that the Fixed Income strategies would have net inflows of $1.0 billion and that
the market would return 6% for equities and 3% to 4% for fixed income. It also included certain cost-reduction
|
66
|
initiatives, including anticipated headcount reductions and lower discretionary spending across other expense items. Lastly, the 2013 Base Case includes the financial impact of certain retention
awards (excluding the SARs), both with respect to awards granted in January 2013 to certain non-portfolio management employees and the potential arrangements being discussed with the fixed-income investment teams.
|
(3)
|
The 2013 Downside Case generally followed the assumptions described above for the 2013 Base Case, with the exception that it also assumed (i) an additional $3.5
billion in net outflows (resulting in a $2.0 billion average AUM decrease) across all strategies, reflecting a potential scenario where clients would terminate their relationship with Artio Global based on perceptions about the stability of the
organization and (ii) a reduction in certain costs directly tied to levels of AUM.
|
(4)
|
The 2014 Base Case assumed that Artio Global would be able to grow its fixed income business modestly ($1.0 billion in net inflows) and would have residual net outflows
from International Equity of $0.4 billion, as it would take a number of years to rebuild International Equitys investment-performance track record before it would be able to attract assets. The 2014 Base Case also assumed that expenses would
be reduced in 2014, as certain incentive compensation schemes would not be renewed and the impact of prior year bonus deferrals would be lessened. Furthermore, the full impact of the cost-saving initiatives Artio Global planned to embark upon in
2013 would be fully realized in 2014.
|
(5)
|
The 2014 Downside Case assumed that, following the assumptions embedded in the 2013 Downside Case, Artio Global would continue to lose International Equity clients
($0.4 billion) and would be unable to attract assets into the fixed income strategies, which factors would result in a $4.9 billion decrease in AUM from the 2014 Base Case scenario ($4.4 billion decrease in average AUM). The 2014 Downside Case also
assumed a reduction in certain costs directly tied to levels of AUM.
|
Interests of Certain Persons
in the Merger
In considering the recommendation of the Committee and Artio Globals Board that you vote to adopt and
approve the Merger Agreement, you should be aware that some of Artio Globals directors and executive officers have interests in the Merger that are different from, or in addition to, those of Artio Globals stockholders generally. The
executive officers of Artio Global are Tony Williams (CEO), Frank Harte (CFO), Richard Pell (CIO) and Rudolph-Riad Younes (Head of International Equity). These four officers also constitute the NEOs of Artio Global. The members of Artio
Globals Board and the Committee were aware of the interests of these executives and Artio Globals directors in evaluating and negotiating the Merger Agreement and the Merger, and in recommending to the stockholders in the case of the
Board and the Board, in the case of the Committee, that the Merger Agreement be adopted and approved.
Description of Interests
It is expected that Aberdeen will terminate the services of each of our executives following the Merger,
triggering the payment of unvested equity awards, severance, retention (for Messrs. Williams and Harte) and deferred compensation (for Messrs. Pell and Younes) to the executives. The terms and conditions of these arrangements are described in
greater detail below and in the footnotes accompanying the Golden Parachute Compensation table. In addition, the amounts related to equity, severance, retention and deferred compensation are quantified in the table and accompanying footnotes under
the heading Interests of Certain Persons in the MergerGolden Parachute Compensation beginning on page 70.
|
|
|
Equity
. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the Merger, (1) all transfer restrictions imposed on each outstanding share
of restricted stock held by each non-employee director and Mr. Williams will lapse and each such share of restricted stock will be converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to $2.75, and (2) with respect to each RSU award
held by an executive that vests based solely on service, the executive will receive a cash payment equal to $2.75 for each share represented by such RSU award, and (3) with respect to each RSU award held by an executive that vests based, in
whole or in part, upon any criteria other than solely by the continued employment of the executive, the executive will receive a cash payment equal to $2.75 for each share the executive would
|
67
|
have been entitled to receive upon the executives termination of employment resulting from a change in control under the terms of the applicable award agreement. All payments with respect
to the cashout of restricted stock and RSUs will include the payment of all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the closing of the Merger, and will be less any tax withholdings. The treatment of the RSU awards described in
(2) and (3) above assumes that the executives will be terminated in connection with the Merger. If any executives employment is not terminated in connection with the Merger, the executives RSU awards will be rolled over as
described in The Merger AgreementTreatment of Equity-Based Awards beginning on page 80. The equity interests of the directors and executive officers are quantified below.
|
|
|
|
Severance
. Pursuant to their employment agreements, if the employment of Messrs. Williams and Harte is terminated by Artio Global without
Cause or by the executive for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the applicable employment agreement) or upon the executives death or disability (as defined in the applicable employment agreement)
(each, a qualifying termination) within two years following the Merger, they would each be entitled to receive cash severance in an amount equal to the sum of (a) 24 months of base salary payable in accordance with Artio
Globals normal payroll practices, (b) a cash bonus equal to two times the highest of (i) the average of the bonus awarded to the executive during the most recent three years, (ii) the bonus awarded to the executive in the year
preceding the year of termination or (iii) $750,000 (Mr. Harte) or $1,500,000 (Mr. Williams) and (c) a pro-rated cash bonus equal to the executives bonus in (b) multiplied by the percentage of the then-current year (calculated
in days, with a start date of January 1) during which the executive was employed. In addition, under their employment agreements, Messrs. Williams and Harte are each eligible to receive a cash payment equal to two times the amount of the
employer annual retirement plan contributions in the immediately preceding plan year and reimbursements of taxes with respect to such payments. All severance payments described above in this paragraph are subject to the executives compliance
with a 12-month prohibition, with certain exceptions, against competition and solicitation of clients, investors and employees. Pursuant to Artio Global policy, Messrs. Williams and Harte are also entitled to outplacement benefits of $25,000 each.
The employment agreements for Messrs. Pell and Younes do not provide for severance payments or benefits; however, Messrs. Pell and Younes would be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits under the Severance Plan, provided (as
contemplated by the Merger Agreement) that their employment is terminated without cause within 12 months following the effective time of the Merger: (a) base salary continuation based on their years of service with Artio Global (Mr.
Pell15 months; Mr. Younes18 months), payable in accordance with Artio Globals normal payroll practices, (b) continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which we refer to as
COBRA, and (c) outplacement benefits of $25,000 each.
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Retention
. Pursuant to a key employee retention program to be established in connection with the Merger (as further described under
Background of the Merger), Messrs. Williams and Harte will be entitled to receive a retention incentive cash award of $610,500 and $499,500, respectively, payable in 2016 in exchange for each executives commitment to remain
employed with Artio Global through the payment date in 2016. This award will be payable in full upon certain terminations agreed to by Artio Global and Aberdeen. The executives right to retain the award will be subject to terms and conditions
agreed to by Artio Global and Aberdeen, which may include the executives observance of reasonable cooperation and restrictive covenants in favor of Artio Global and its successors.
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Deferred Compensation.
As described under Executive Compensation2012 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Table beginning on
page 126, under Artio Globals Incentive Award and Special Deferred Compensation Award Program, if an executives employment is terminated by reason of the executives qualifying termination, the executive will be fully
vested in his deferred compensation and the deferred amounts will be paid in accordance with the payment schedule described therein.
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Indemnification
. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon closing of the Merger, the current and former directors and executive officers of Artio
Global will be entitled to continued indemnification and insurance coverage for six years after the effective time of the Merger. For more detail on these arrangements, see the section of this proxy statement entitled Indemnification and
Insurance beginning on page 75.
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68
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Messrs. Pell and Younes IPO Arrangements
.
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¡
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Pursuant to the Restated TRA, Aberdeen US will pay Messrs. Pell and Younes 85% of 35% of the amount of certain tax benefit items for 2013, an estimated
$7.0 million payment, a material portion of which will have accrued on Artio Globals balance sheet by the effective time of the Merger, as described under Tax Receivable Agreement beginning on page 73 and Certain
Relationships and Related Person TransactionsRelated Person TransactionsTax Receivable Agreement and Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement beginning on page 142.
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¡
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Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, upon the closing of the Merger, the restrictions on the sale of Class A common stock received by Messrs. Pell
and Younes upon exchange of New Class A Units will cease as described under Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions Related Person TransactionsExchange Agreement beginning on page 140, and, pursuant to the
Merger Agreement, each such share will be converted into the right to receive the per share merger consideration.
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Equity Interests of Artio Globals Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the number of (i) shares of Artio Global Class A common stock and (ii) shares of Artio Global Class A common stock relating to RSUs held by each of Artio
Globals executive officers, in each case that are either currently vested or scheduled to vest by the effective time of the Merger, assuming that the effective time of the Merger occurs on June 30, 2013. The following table assumes that
the executive officers will not sell or acquire any shares of Artio Global Class A common stock or equity awards between the date of this proxy statement and June 30, 2013. For the values of the executives unvested equity awards that
are not scheduled to vest prior to June 30, 2013, but will be cashed out in connection with a change of control termination, see the Equity column of the table under Interests of Certain Persons in the MergerGolden
Parachute Compensation below.
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Name
|
|
Shares
(1)
|
|
|
RSUs
(2)
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|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
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|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
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|
|
($)
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|
Tony Williams
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,425
|
|
|
|
240,418
|
|
|
|
240,418
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Frank Harte
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|
111,572
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|
|
|
306,823
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|
|
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34,970
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|
|
96,168
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402,991
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Richard Pell
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|
5,565,652
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|
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15,305,543
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|
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|
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15,305,543
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Rudolph-Riad Younes
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5,695,653
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|
15,663,046
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|
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|
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15,663,046
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(1)
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For Messrs. Pell and Younes, includes restricted shares of Class A common stock under the Exchange Agreement.
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(2)
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Includes shares relating to RSUs that were deferred pursuant to Artio Globals Incentive Award and Special Deferred Compensation Award Program and granted at the
time of the IPO for which service conditions have been removed but are not scheduled to settle until September 15, 2014.
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Equity Interests of Artio Globals Non-Employee Directors
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock held by each of Artio Globals non-employee directors. The non-employee directors hold no unvested equity
awards. The following table assumes that the directors will not sell or acquire any shares of Artio Global Class A common stock or equity awards between the date of this proxy statement and June 30, 2013. The table also sets forth the
values of these shares based on the $2.75 per share merger consideration.
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Name
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
|
(#)
|
|
|
($)
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Robert Jackson
|
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28,210
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77,758
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Duane Kullberg
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18,463
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50,773
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Francis Ledwidge
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10,563
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29,048
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Christopher Wright
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39,801
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109,453
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69
Golden Parachute Compensation
The table below sets forth for each of Artio Globals NEOs an estimate of the compensation that is based on or otherwise relates to
the Merger and that may become payable to the executive either immediately after the effective time of the Merger or on a subsequent termination. Other than payments related to equity awards payable pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the NEOs are not
entitled to any payment or benefit in connection with the Merger except upon a qualifying termination or, in the case of the retention awards that will be granted to Messrs. Williams and Harte, certain terminations agreed to by Artio Global and
Aberdeen or remaining employed by Aberdeen for three years following the closing date of Merger.
Artio Global shareholders
are being asked to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, such compensation for these executives (see section entitled Proposal 2Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Merger-Related Compensation Arrangements beginning on
page 101). Because the vote to approve such compensation is advisory only, it will not be binding on either Artio Global or Aberdeen. Accordingly, if the Merger Agreement is approved by Artio Global shareholders and the Merger is completed, the
compensation will be payable, subject only to the conditions applicable thereto (which are described in the footnotes to the table), regardless of the outcome of the vote to approve such compensation. Except as noted in the footnotes to the table,
all amounts are payable promptly following the date of termination of employment subject to delays in accordance with certain tax rules under Section 409A of the Code.
The estimates in the table assume that the Merger will be effective on June 30, 2013. See the footnotes to the table for additional
assumptions.
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Name
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Severance
(1)
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Equity
(2)
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Retention
(3)
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Pension/
NQDC
(4)
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Perquisites/
Benefits
(5)
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Tax
Reimburse-
ment
(6)
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Total
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($)
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|
($)
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|
($)
|
|
|
($)
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|
|
($)
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|
($)
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($)
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Tony Williams, CEO
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4,750,000
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|
|
747,317
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|
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610,500
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|
|
92,115
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|
|
|
71,896
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87,272
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|
|
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6,359,101
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Frank Harte, CFO
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2,475,000
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420,270
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499,500
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|
|
|
81,649
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|
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71,896
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84,812
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3,633,126
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Richard Pell, CIO
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500,000
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504,091
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970,089
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54,310
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|
|
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2,028,490
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Rudolph-Riad Younes, Head of International Equity
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600,000
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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837,822
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|
|
|
60,172
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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1,497,994
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(1)
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Messrs. Williams and Harte
. Pursuant to their employment agreements, if Messrs. Williams or Harte experiences a qualifying termination within two years following
the Merger, he would be entitled to receive cash severance in an amount equal to the sum of (a) 24 months of base salary payable in accordance with Artio Globals normal payroll practices (Mr. Williams$1,000,000;
Mr. Harte$600,000), (b) a cash bonus equal to two times the highest of (i) the average of the bonus awarded to the executive during the most recent three years, (ii) the bonus awarded to the executive in the year preceding
the year of termination or (iii) $1,500,000 (Mr. Williams) or $750,000 (Mr. Harte) (Mr. Williams$3,000,000; Mr. Harte$1,500,000) and (c) a pro-rated cash bonus equal to the executives bonus in
(b) multiplied by the percentage of the then-current year (calculated in days, with a start date of January 1) during which the executive was employed (Mr. Williams$750,000; Mr. Harte$375,000). As a condition to the
receipt of these payments or benefits upon termination, Messrs. Williams and Harte each agrees, with certain exceptions, that he will not compete with Artio Global or solicit clients, investors or employees of Artio Global for a period of 12 months
following termination.
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Messrs. Pell and Younes
. The employment agreements for Messrs. Pell and Younes do
not provide for severance payments or benefits. As a result, Messrs. Pell and Younes would be entitled to receive cash severance under the Severance Plan, provided (as contemplated by the Merger Agreement) that their employment is terminated without
cause within 12 months following the effective time of the Merger. Under the Severance Plan, subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims against Artio Global, in the event that the employment of Messrs. Pell and Younes is
terminated by Artio Global without cause (as defined below), they would be entitled to receive base salary continuation based on their years of service with Artio Global, payable in accordance with Artio Globals normal payroll practices.
Mr. Pell joined the Julius Baer Group in 1995 and Mr. Younes joined Artio Global as a portfolio manager in 1993
70
and would be entitled to a cash payment equal to 15 months and 18 months, respectively, of base salary at the rate in effect on the date of termination of their employment.
(2)
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The amounts in this column reflect the value of the accelerated vesting of the executives unvested equity awards that would occur at the effective time of the
Merger, as provided by the Merger Agreement. The following table breaks down these amounts by type of award.
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|
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Name
|
|
Restricted Stock(a)
|
|
|
RSUs(b)
|
|
|
Cash and Share
Dividends(c)
|
|
|
Total
Equity
|
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
|
($)
|
|
Tony Williams
|
|
|
488,430
|
|
|
|
238,004
|
|
|
|
20,883
|
|
|
|
747,317
|
|
Frank Harte
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
407,575
|
|
|
|
12,695
|
|
|
|
420,270
|
|
Richard Pell
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
474,427
|
|
|
|
29,664
|
|
|
|
504,091
|
|
Rudolph-Riad Younes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
The value of the accelerated vesting of each restricted stock award is calculated as the merger consideration of $2.75 per share multiplied by the number of shares
subject to the award.
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|
(b)
|
The value of the accelerated vesting of each RSU award is calculated as the merger consideration of $2.75 per share multiplied by the sum of (i) for each RSU award
which vests based solely on the continued employment of the executive, the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock represented by such award immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger and (ii) for each RSU award
which vests based, in whole or in part, upon any criteria other than solely by the continued employment of the executive, the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock the executive would have received upon a termination resulting
from a change in control under the terms of the applicable award agreement. This assumes that the performance condition for Mr. Youness long-term incentive award will not be satisfied and he will receive no payment with respect to his
award. The settlement of the RSU awards may be delayed in accordance with certain tax rules under Section 409A of the Code.
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|
(c)
|
In connection with the cashout of their restricted stock and RSU awards, under the Merger Agreement and consistent with the provisions governing the relevant awards,
the executives will receive all dividend equivalents and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the effective time of the Merger with respect to such restricted stock and RSU awards.
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(3)
|
Pursuant to a key employee retention program to be established in connection with the Merger (as further described under Proposal 1The
MergerBackground of the Merger beginning on page 26), Messrs. Williams and Harte will be entitled to cash retention incentives payable in 2016 in exchange for each executives commitment to remain with Artio Global through the
payment date in 2016. These awards will be payable in full upon certain terminations agreed to by Artio Global and Aberdeen. The executives right to retain these amounts will be subject to terms and conditions agreed to by Artio Global and
Aberdeen, which may include the executives observance of reasonable cooperation and restrictive covenants in favor of Artio Global and its successors. See Proposal 1The Merger Interests of Certain Persons in the
MergerDescription of Interests beginning on page 67.
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(4)
|
Messrs. Williams and Harte.
The amounts in this column reflect cash payments based on employer annual retirement plan contributions. Pursuant to their employment
agreements, Messrs. Williams and Harte are eligible to receive cash payments upon a qualifying termination that are equal to two times the amount of the employer annual retirement plan contributions in the immediately preceding plan year. The
amounts were calculated using an assumed contribution rate of 10% up to $110,100 of compensation and 15.7% of remaining compensation.
|
|
Messrs. Pell and Younes
. The amounts in this column reflect amounts deferred under Artio Globals Incentive Award and Special Deferred
Compensation Award Program, which such amounts will vest if an executives employment is terminated without Cause following a change in control (as defined in the program). The deferred amounts will be paid in accordance with the
payment schedule described in the program. The amounts in this column are as of February 28, 2013, and are based on the assumption that
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71
|
there will be no change in the amounts between the date of this proxy statement and June 30, 2013. As Mr. Pell is retirement eligible, his deferred compensation amount is not subject to
a risk of forfeiture except in the event he is terminated for cause.
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(5)
|
Messrs. Williams and Harte
. The amounts in this column reflect the value of medical and dental insurance coverage that they would be entitled to receive under
their employment agreements upon a qualifying termination (Mr. Williams$46,896; Mr. Harte$46,896) and outplacement services (Mr. Williams$25,000; Mr. Harte$25,000) provided in accordance with Artio Global policy.
The medical and dental benefits could continue up to the time that Messrs. Williams and Harte are entitled to receive severance payments under their employment agreements. The benefits could terminate on the earlier of the date Messrs. Williams and
Harte become eligible for such coverage from a new employer and the date it is determined that the provision of such benefits are discriminatory under Section 105(h) of the Internal Revenue Code (which generally imposes an excise tax if fully
insured health plans discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees). If the provision of medical and dental insurance coverage for Messrs. Williams and Harte is determined to be discriminatory, they would instead be entitled to receive
a cash payment equal to the reasonable value of the provision of such benefits for the remaining amount of time during which they are entitled to receive base salary continuation as described under footnote 1 to this table.
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|
Messrs. Pell and Younes
. Pursuant to the Severance Plan, the amount in this column reflects the value of outplacement services (Mr. Pell$25,000;
Mr. Younes$25,000) and the value of COBRA continuation coverage provided during the period that Messrs. Pell and Younes receive cash severance benefits as described above (Mr. Pell$29,310; Mr. Younes$35,172), but such
COBRA benefits would terminate on the date Messrs. Pell and Younes commence new employment.
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(6)
|
Messrs. Williams and Harte.
The amounts in this column reflect the reimbursements of taxes with respect to the cash payments based on employer annual retirement
plan contributions described in footnote 4 to this table and are calculated using the following assumed tax rates: 39.6% federal rate and 2.35% Medicare tax rate, a Connecticut state tax rate of 6.7% for Mr. Williams and a New York state tax
rate of 9.0% for Mr. Harte.
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Definitions of Cause and Good Reason
The table above describes and quantifies certain compensation and benefits that (a) Messrs. Williams and Harte would receive if their
employment is terminated pursuant to a qualifying termination, which includes a termination by Artio Global without cause or by the executives for good reason, in each case within two years following the Merger, and
(b) Messrs. Pell and Younes would receive if their employment was terminated without cause, as each such term is defined below:
Messrs. Harte and Williams
Cause generally means the
executives: (i) willful failure to follow legitimate directions of his supervisors after both notice and 30 days allowance to cure such failure was provided to the executive; (ii) neglect or failure in any material respect to
perform or discharge his duties; (iii) gross negligence in the performance of his responsibilities; (iv) act or acts constituting a felony or any crime involving fraud, moral turpitude or misrepresentation or any violation of securities or
other laws, regulations or rules governing the business; (v) act or failure to act which, in the reasonable judgment of Artio Global, could reasonably be expected to injure Artio Global reputation, business or business relations;
(vi) breach of Artio Global policies with respect to the conduct of the business or the trading of securities; or (viii) material breach of any agreement between the executive and Artio Global.
Good Reason generally means the occurrence of any of the following events without the consent of Mr. Williams or
Mr. Harte and provided that the executive has given Artio Global written notice specifying the event triggering good reason and Artio Global has failed to cure such event within 30 days of receipt of such notice: (i) the executives
responsibilities, duties, authority or title are substantially and materially diminished in comparison to those enjoyed by the executive immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger or the executives reporting structure is changed
from the reporting structure in place immediately prior to the effective
72
time of the Merger; (ii) the failure to pay the executive compensation or provide the executive benefits as required by his employment agreement; (iii) a material reduction in the
executives annual incentive compensation, other than as a result of the executives neglect or failure in any material respect to perform or discharge his duties or the imposition of similar reductions affecting all senior officers of
Artio Global (or its successor) and its subsidiaries; (iv) Artio Globals requiring the executive to be based at any office that is more than 40 miles from the office where the executive was based immediately prior to the effective time of
the Merger; or (v) Artio Globals failure to assign his employment agreement to any successor. Good Reason shall not exist unless Messrs. Williams or Harte, as applicable, gives Artio Global written notice specifying a
Good Reason event and Artio Global fails to cure such event within 30 days of having been given such written notice.
Messrs.
Pell and Younes
Cause generally means the executives: (i) conviction of or entry into a plea of
guilty or
nolo contendere
to a felony, a crime of moral turpitude, dishonesty, breach of trust or unethical business conduct as it relates to Artio Global, violation of any federal or state laws constituting a felony, or any crime involving
Artio Globals business; (ii) engaging in willful misconduct, willful or gross neglect, fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, theft or violation of federal or state securities laws, rules, or regulations in the performance of his duties
to Artio Global or otherwise to the detriment of Artio Global; (iii) use of alcohol or other drug adversely affecting his job performance; (iv) adjudication in any civil suit, or acknowledgment in writing in any agreement or stipulation,
to the commission of any theft, embezzlement, fraud, or other intentional act of dishonesty involving any other person, or sexual harassment of any co-worker; (v) violation, after warning, of any of Artio Globals rules or policies
concerning the conduct of the business or the trading of securities applicable to all employees generally; (vi) loss of any registration or license needed to conduct company business or any such registration or license is suspended for more
than one month; or (vii)
misrepresentation of a fact or provision of an untrue statement in his employment application materials.
Tax
Receivable Agreement
Existing Agreement
At the time of Artio Globals initial public offering, on September 29, 2009, Artio Global, Holdings and the TRA beneficiaries, entered into the TRA. Each time one of the TRA beneficiaries
exchanged a partnership interest in Holdings into shares of Artio Global stock in a taxable exchange, Artio Globals taxable income derived from the partnership was expected to be decreased to the extent the exchange (treated as a taxable
purchase by Artio Global) increased the amount of amortization and depreciation deductions Artio Global would enjoy. Under the TRA as originally executed, 85% of the actually realized tax benefits from such exchanges were to be paid to the TRA
beneficiaries, subject to certain conditions and with special rules to apply upon a termination of the agreement or a change of control of Artio Global, including an assumption that upon a termination or a change of control, Artio Global or its
successor would be deemed to have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the deductions arising from the increased basis, entitling the TRA beneficiaries to certain payments from Artio Global or its successor.
Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement
In connection with and as an inducement to enter into the Merger Agreement, Messrs. Pell and Younes have agreed to certain concessions under the pre-existing terms of the TRA and have entered into the
Restated TRA. Effective upon the closing of the Merger, the Restated TRA will provide that (i) the Merger will be deemed not to result in a change of control under the terms of the TRA and (ii) all references in the TRA to
change of control will be deleted in the Restated TRA, permanently eliminating potential change of control benefits to Messrs. Pell and Younes in the future.
Under the TRA, tax benefit payments would have become fixed, assuming full utilization of all available tax benefits each year, upon a change of control. Under the Restated TRA, beginning in 2014, the tax
benefit payments to the TRA beneficiaries will be based on actual taxable income of the new U.S. consolidated tax group of which Aberdeen U.S. is the common parent, and the actual realization by the new group of the tax
73
benefit items, as described more fully below. The Restated TRA will not affect the treatment of the 2012 benefit or the 2012 NOL carryback to 2011, all of which have already accrued on Artio
Globals balance sheet. For 2013, Aberdeen U.S. will pay Messrs. Pell and Younes 85% of 35% of the amount of the tax benefit items for 2013, an estimated $7.0 million payment, a material portion of which will have accrued on Artio Globals
balance sheet by the effective time of the Merger.
The Restated TRA modified the terms of the TRA such that, among other
things, calculations of tax benefit payments will generally include Artio Global together with all members of Aberdeens U.S. consolidated group. In addition, beginning in 2014, unlike under the original TRA, Aberdeens NOLs will be taken
into account before Artio Globals historic tax benefits, which could reduce the likelihood or amount of payments to Messrs. Pell and Younes. If Messrs. Pell and Younes do not receive a tax benefit payment in a given year as a result of
this ordering rule, and thereafter begin to receive such payments, they will be entitled to 100% of tax benefit payments (attributable to Artio Globals historic tax benefits) until they catch up to an 85%/15% split of such benefits (to which
they would have been originally entitled under the TRA). Payment obligations to the TRA beneficiaries under the Restated TRA will be guaranteed by Aberdeen.
The foregoing summary of the Restated TRA does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of the Restated TRA. A copy of the Restated TRA is attached as Annex B
and incorporated herein by reference.
Effects of the Merger
If we consummate the Merger, you will be entitled to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest, less any applicable withholding taxes, for
each share of our Class A common stock that you own, unless you have properly perfected your rights of appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the DGCL with respect to the Merger. Upon consummation of the Merger, your shares of
Class A common stock will no longer be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and cease to exist. As a result, you will not own any shares of the Surviving Company and you will no longer have any interest in our future earnings or
growth. As a result of the Merger, we will cease to be a publicly traded company and will be wholly owned indirectly by Aberdeen. Following the consummation of the Merger, our common stock will be delisted from the NYSE and deregistered under the
Exchange Act and we will no longer file periodic reports with the SEC on account of our common stock.
Treatment
of Equity-Based Awards
Upon consummation of the Merger, (1) all transfer restrictions imposed on each outstanding
share of Artio Globals restricted stock will lapse and each such share of restricted stock will be converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to $2.75, (2) with respect to each RSU that vests based solely on service, the
holder thereof shall receive a cash payment equal to $2.75 for each share represented by such RSU award, and (3) for each RSU award that vests based, in whole or in part, upon any criteria other than solely by the continued employment of the
holder of such award, the holder thereof shall receive a cash payment equal to $2.75 for each share such holder would have been entitled to receive with respect to such award upon his or her termination of employment resulting from a change in
control under the terms of the applicable award agreement. All payments with respect to the cashout of restricted stock and RSUs will include dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the closing of the Merger, and will be less any
tax withholdings. However, with respect to each outstanding performance-based and service-based RSU award held by an employee who is specifically identified by Aberdeen as expected to continue employment with the business following the Merger, such
RSU award will remain outstanding following the Merger and vest and be paid out in accordance with its terms, except that it will be converted into either (A) in the case of certain employees associated with the investment management business
of either the Artio Global Total Return Fund or the Artio Global High Income Fund, a notional investment in mutual funds managed by Artio Global, to be allocated among such funds as may be determined by Aberdeen, or (B) in the case of other
employees, the right to receive ordinary shares of Aberdeen stock, in each case with an initial value equal to $2.75 multiplied by the number of shares related to such award.
See The Merger AgreementTreatment of Equity Based Awards beginning on page 80.
Financing
Aberdeen has available cash on hand that it intends to use to finance the Merger.
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Indemnification and Insurance
Under the Merger Agreement, Aberdeen has agreed to cause the Surviving Company to honor all rights to exculpation, indemnification and
advancement of expenses now existing in favor of the current or former directors and officers of Artio Global or its subsidiaries, which rights will survive the Merger and will continue in full force and effect to the extent permitted by law. In
addition, Aberdeen has agreed, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify Artio Globals and its subsidiaries current and former directors and officers in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation in
connection with any action or omission relating to their position with Artio Global or its subsidiaries occurring or alleged to have occurred before the effective time of the Merger. In addition, Aberdeen has agreed to advance certain expenses to
the parties it indemnifies. For a period of six years from the effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen has agreed to cause to be maintained in effect the coverage provided by the policies of directors and officers liability insurance in
effect as of the closing date of the Merger maintained by Artio Global and its subsidiaries with respect to matters arising on or before the effective time of the Merger, or to obtain tail insurance policies providing for the same
coverage. See The Merger AgreementIndemnification and Insurance beginning on page 90.
Regulatory and Other Governmental Approvals
Under the provisions of the HSR Act, the Merger may not be completed until notification and report forms have been filed with the
Antitrust Division and the FTC, by Aberdeen and Artio Global and the applicable waiting period has expired or been terminated. Aberdeen and Artio Global each filed the notification and report form required under the HSR Act with the Antitrust
Division and the FTC on March 11, 2013. Early termination of the 30-day HSR Act waiting period was granted effective as of March 22, 2013.
Litigation Relating to the Merger
Artio Global is aware that, since the announcement of the proposed transaction, five putative shareholder class action complaints, which we refer to as the Class Action Complaints, have been
filed against the Artio Global Board of Directors, Artio Global, Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary challenging the proposed transaction. Three of the Class Action Complaints were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, which we refer to as the
Delaware Actions:
Velvart v. Artio Global Investors, Inc.
, et al.
, Case No. 8347-VCL (filed on or about February 21, 2013),
Waldner v. Artio Global Investors Inc.
, et al.
, No. 8376 (filed
on or about March 1, 2013) and
Hunt v. Williams
, et al.
, No. 8389 (filed on or about March 7, 2013). Two of the Class Action Complaints were filed in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County, which
we refer to as the New York Actions:
Fernicola v. Artio Global Investors Inc.
, et al.
, No. 650625/2013 (filed on or about February 25, 2013) and
Dart Seasonal Products Retirement Plan v. Robert
Jackson
, et al.
, No. 650713/2013 (filed on or about March 1, 2013).
The Class Action Complaints
generally allege, among other things, that the individual members of the Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties owed to the public shareholders of Artio Global by approving Artio Globals entry into Merger Agreement with Parent and
Merger Subsidiary and failing to take steps to maximize the value of Artio Global to its public shareholders, and that Artio Global, Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary aided and abetted such breaches of fiduciary duties. In addition, the Class Action
Complaints allege, among other things, that the proposed transaction undervalues Artio Global, that the process leading up to the Merger Agreement was flawed, and that certain provisions of the Merger Agreement improperly favor Aberdeen and impede a
potential alternative transaction. The Class Action Complaints generally seek, among other things, declaratory and injunctive relief concerning the alleged fiduciary breaches, injunctive relief prohibiting the defendants from consummating the
proposed transaction and other forms of equitable relief.
On March 6, 2013, the two earliest-filed Delaware Actions were
consolidated under the caption
In re Artio Global Investors, Inc. Stockholder Litigation
, No. 8347-VCL.
On
March 7, 2013, plaintiffs in the New York Actions filed a proposed order to show cause seeking consolidation of the New York Actions and the appointment of lead plaintiffs and co-lead counsel. The order to show cause was entered on
March 18, 2013.
On March 19, 2013, defendants in the New York Actions filed a motion to dismiss or, in the alternative,
to stay the New York Actions in favor of the Delaware Actions.
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On March 25, 2013, the plaintiffs in the Fernicola litigation filed an Amended Class
Action Complaint, which, in addition to reiterating the allegations generally made in the Class Action Complaints, also alleges that the Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties owed to Artio Globals public shareholders by
authorizing the filing of a preliminary proxy statement that, in the plaintiffs view, contains material misstatements and omits material information.
On March 26, 2013, the plaintiffs in the Delaware Actions filed notices and proposed orders of voluntary dismissal seeking to dismiss the Delaware Actions.
Also on March 26, 2013, the parties to the New York Actions participated in an initial status conference. During this conference,
counsel to the plaintiffs in the New York Actions confirmed that the plaintiffs in the Delaware Actions had voluntarily dismissed those actions and agreed to participate in the New York Actions on a coordinated basis. The following day, the
parties to the New York Actions filed a stipulated order concerning the consolidation of the New York Actions and the appointment of lead plaintiffs and lead counsel.
On March 27, 2013, the parties to the New York Actions reached an agreement on the timing and scope of an expedited, rolling production of non-public documents concerning the Merger, which production
began on March 30, 2013.
On March 28, 2013, defendants in the New York Actions, in light of the agreement by the plaintiffs in
the Delaware Actions to proceed in New York, withdrew their motions to dismiss or, in the alternative, to stay the New York Actions in favor of the Delaware Actions.
On April 3, 2013, the parties to the New York Actions, along with plaintiffs in the previously filed Delaware Actions, filed a stipulation and proposed order for the intervention of additional plaintiffs
and their counsel in the New York Actions.
On April 10, 2013, the parties to the New York Actions (including the plaintiffs in
the previously filed Delaware Actions) reached an agreement in principle providing for the settlement of the New York Actions on the terms and conditions set forth in a memorandum of understanding, which we refer to as the
MOU. Pursuant to the MOU, defendants agreed to make certain supplemental disclosures in this definitive proxy statement. The MOU further provides that, among other things, (a) the parties will replace the MOU with a
definitive stipulation of settlement, which we refer to as the Stipulation, and will submit the Stipulation to the Supreme Court of New York, New York County for review and approval; (b) plaintiffs will not pursue their efforts to
preliminarily enjoin the Merger; (c) the Stipulation will provide for dismissal of the New York Actions on the merits; (d) the Stipulation will include a customary release of defendants from claims relating to the Merger; and (e) the proposed
settlement is conditioned on, among other things, consummation of the Merger, completion of certain confirmatory discovery, class certification for settlement purposes only, and final approval by the Supreme Court of New York, New York County
following notice to Artio Globals shareholders. The proposed settlement does not affect the form or amount of consideration to be paid in the Merger.
The defendants to these lawsuits have entered into the MOU to eliminate the uncertainty, burden, risk, expense and distraction of further litigation. Defendants believe that the New York Actions are
meritless and, if the proposed settlement is not approved, intend to defend them vigorously. Artio Global notes that the ultimate outcome of the litigation is uncertain and unknown, and that any relief delaying or enjoining the proposed
transaction could have adverse consequences to Artio Global.
The foregoing summary and description are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the Class Action Complaints and the Fernicola Amended Complaint, which have been filed as Annexes G, H, I, J and K hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
The following are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to U.S. holders and non-U.S.
holders (in each case, as defined below) of Artio Global Class A common stock. This discussion applies only to holders that hold their Artio Global Class A common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the
Code. This discussion does not describe all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a
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holder in light of the holders particular circumstances, such as the application of the Medicare contribution tax, or to holders subject to special rules, such as:
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dealers or traders subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting with respect to Artio Global Class A common stock;
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persons holding Artio Global Class A common stock as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, integrated transaction or
constructive sale transaction;
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U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
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partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
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persons who acquired Artio Global Class A common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;
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certain financial institutions;
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regulated investment companies;
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real estate investment trusts;
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certain former citizens or residents of the United States;
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tax-exempt entities, including an individual retirement account or Roth IRA; or
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persons subject to the United States alternative minimum tax.
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If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Artio Global Class A common stock, the
U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding Artio Global Class A common stock and partners in such partnerships should consult
their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Merger to them.
This discussion is based
on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final and temporary Treasury regulations, all as of the date hereof, any of which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Tax considerations under state, local and
foreign laws are not addressed.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this discussion, the term U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of Artio Global Class A common stock that is:
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a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
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a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States,
any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or
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an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
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The exchange of Artio Global Class A common stock for cash in the Merger will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. In general, a U.S. holder whose shares of Artio Global Class A common stock are converted into the right to receive cash in the Merger will recognize capital gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the
difference, if any, between the amount of cash received with respect to such shares and the U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in such shares. A U.S. holders adjusted tax basis generally will equal the price the U.S. holder paid for such
shares. Gain or loss will be determined separately for each block of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock (
i.e.
, shares of Artio Global Class A common stock acquired at the same cost in a single transaction). Such gain or
loss generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holders holding period in the shares of Artio Global Class A common stock exceeds one year at the time of the completion of the Merger. Long-term capital gains
of non-corporate U.S. holders generally are subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
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Non-U.S. Holders
A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of Artio Global Class A common stock that is not a U.S. holder or a partnership. Payments made to a non-U.S. holder in exchange for shares of Artio
Global Class A common stock pursuant to the Merger generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:
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the gain, if any, on such shares is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an
applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to the non-U.S. holders permanent establishment in the United States);
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the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the exchange of shares of Artio
Global Class A common stock for cash pursuant to the Merger and certain other conditions are met; or
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the non-U.S. holder owned, directly or under certain constructive ownership rules of the Code, more than 5% of the common stock of Artio at any time
during the five-year period preceding the Merger, and Artio is or has been a United States real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding the Merger
or the period that the non-U.S. holder held Artio Global Class A common stock.
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A non-U.S. holder
described in the first bullet point immediately above will be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. holder, subject to an applicable income tax treaty providing otherwise. If such
non-U. S. holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits (or a lower treaty rate). A non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet point immediately
above will be subject to tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate) on any gain realized, which may be offset by U.S.-source capital losses recognized in the same taxable year, even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United
States.
Artio believes it has not been a United States real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes at any time during the five-year period preceding the Merger.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments made in exchange for shares of Artio Global Class A common stock generally will be subject to information reporting unless
the holder is an exempt recipient and may also be subject to backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%). To avoid backup withholding, U.S. holders that do not otherwise establish an exemption should complete and return Internal
Revenue Service Form W-9, certifying that such holder is a U.S. person, the taxpayer identification number provided is correct and such U.S. holder is not subject to backup withholding. A non-U. S. holder that provides the applicable withholding
agent with an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI, as appropriate, will generally establish an exemption from backup withholding.
Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against a U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the relevant
information is timely furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
This summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax
consequences is for general information only and is not tax advice. You are urged to consult your tax adviser with respect to the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular circumstances, as well as any tax consequences arising
under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules, or under the laws of any state, local or foreign tax laws.
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THE MERGER AGREEMENT
The following summary describes certain material provisions of the Merger Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A and which is incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the
Merger Agreement that may be important to you. We encourage you to read the Merger Agreement carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document governing the Merger.
The Merger Agreement is included in this proxy statement to provide you with information regarding its terms and is not intended to
provide any factual information about Artio Global, Aberdeen or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Such information can be found elsewhere in this proxy statement or in the public filings we make with the SEC, as described in the
section entitled Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 150. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in the Merger Agreement have been made solely for the purposes of the Merger Agreement and as
of specific dates and solely for the benefit of parties to the Merger Agreement and:
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are not intended as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk between the parties in the event the statements therein
prove to be inaccurate;
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in many cases are subject to important qualifications and limitations, including certain confidential disclosures that were made between the
parties in connection with the negotiation of the Merger Agreement, which disclosures are not reflected in the Merger Agreement itself;
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may only be true as of a given date; and
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may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material by you or other stockholders.
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Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements or
any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of Artio Global, Aberdeen or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and
warranties may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in Artio Globals public disclosures. Accordingly, the representations and warranties and other provisions of the
Merger Agreement should not be read alone, but instead should be read together with the information provided elsewhere in this proxy statement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this proxy statement. See the section entitled
Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 150.
Effects of the Merger
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement and in
accordance with the DGCL, at the effective time of the Merger, Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Artio Global, whereupon the separate existence of Merger Subsidiary will cease, and Artio Global shall continue as the Surviving Company
and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aberdeen.
At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Artio
Globals Class A common stock (other than any shares held by Artio Global, Aberdeen, Merger Subsidiary, any of their respective subsidiaries or any stockholder who properly perfects its rights of appraisal within the meaning of
Section 262 of the DGCL), will be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest and subject to any applicable withholding taxes.
In the event that, from the date of the Merger Agreement until the effective time of the Merger, if Artio Global takes certain actions to change the number of shares of Class A common stock
outstanding, including by split, combination or reclassification, or pays any dividend on or makes any distribution of Class A common stock, then any number or amount in the Merger Agreement, which is based on the price or number of shares of
Class A common stock, including the merger consideration, will be adjusted to reflect such split, combination, dividend or change.
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The directors of Merger Subsidiary immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger
will, at the effective time, be the directors of the Surviving Company until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the certificate of incorporation
and bylaws of the Surviving Company and the DGCL. The officers of Artio Global immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will, at the effective time of the Merger, be the officers of the Surviving Company until their successors are duly
elected and qualified or their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance with the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Company and the DGCL.
Completion of the Merger
Unless the parties
agree otherwise, the closing of the Merger will take place on the third business day after all conditions to the completion of the Merger have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that can only be satisfied at such closing, but
subject to the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions). The effective time of the Merger will be at the time when the certificate of Merger is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at such later time as the parties agree
and specify in the certificate of Merger.
We expect to complete the Merger by the end of the second quarter or early in the
third quarter of 2013. The Merger is subject to U.S. antitrust approval and fund approvals and other conditions, however, and it is possible that factors outside the control of both companies could result in the Merger being completed at a later
time, or not at all. There may be a substantial amount of time between the annual meeting and the completion of the Merger. We expect to complete the Merger promptly following the receipt of all required approvals.
Treatment of Merger Subsidiary Common Stock
At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Merger Subsidiary common stock will be converted into and become one share of Surviving Company common stock, so that Aberdeen will
indirectly own all the outstanding shares of the Surviving Company following the Merger.
Treatment of
Equity-Based Awards
Restricted Stock
. Each restricted share of Artio Global Class A common stock, whether
vested or unvested, will be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration of $2.75 per share. In addition, holders of such restricted stock awards will receive all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the Merger
with respect to such restricted stock awards.
RSUs
. Except as set forth below, each RSU award will vest as of the
closing date of the Merger and be converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the merger consideration of $2.75 per share multiplied by (i) for each RSU award that vests based solely on the continued employment of the holder of
such award, the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock represented by such award immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger and (ii) for each RSU award that vests based, in whole or in part, upon any criteria
other than solely by the continued employment of the holder of such award, the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock the holder of such award would have received upon a termination of employment resulting from a change in
control under the terms of the applicable RSU award agreement. In addition, holders of such RSU awards will receive all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the effective time of the Merger with respect to such RSU awards.
Except as set forth below, each RSU award held by an Artio Global employee who is specifically identified by Aberdeen as
expected to continue employment with the business following the Merger will be converted into an RSU award represented by a number of ordinary shares of Aberdeen equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Artio Global Class A
common stock represented by such RSU award immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger and (ii) the exchange ratio (as defined below). Fractional ordinary shares of Aberdeen will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. Each such RSU
award will remain subject to the terms of Artio Globals 2009 Stock Incentive Plan and the applicable RSU award agreement (including with respect to vesting and settlement).
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Each RSU award held by an Artio Global employee who is specifically identified by Aberdeen
as expected to continue employment with the business following the Merger and who is associated with the investment management business of either the Artio Global Total Return Bond Fund or the Artio Global High Income Fund will be assumed by
Aberdeen and will be notionally invested in mutual funds managed by Artio Global, and allocated among such funds as determined by Aberdeen, with a value as of the effective time of the Merger equal to the sum of (i) the merger consideration of
$2.75 per share times the number of shares of Artio Global Class A common stock represented by such RSU award immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger and (ii) all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the
effective time of the Merger with respect to such RSU award. Each such RSU award will remain subject to the terms of Artio Globals 2009 Stock Incentive Plan and the applicable RSU award agreement (including with respect to vesting and
settlement).
The exchange ratio referred to above is the merger consideration of $2.75 per share divided by the
volume-weighted average price per ordinary share of Aberdeen stock on the London Stock Exchange for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding, and including the trading day immediately prior to, the closing day of the Merger, converted
from pounds sterling into U.S. dollars at the rate of conversion of pounds sterling into U.S. dollar displayed on the trading day immediately prior to the closing day of the Merger.
Withholding
. Any cash payments that the holders of equity awards receive at the effective time of the Merger will be subject to
applicable withholding taxes.
Payment Procedures
Prior to the effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen will appoint an agent reasonably satisfactory to Artio Global for the purpose of
exchanging eligible shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock for the per share merger consideration, which agent we refer to as the paying agent. Promptly after (but, in any event, within one business day following) the
effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen will deposit with the paying agent the aggregate merger consideration to be paid to the former holders of eligible shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock.
As soon as practicable after the effective time of the Merger, each record holder of shares of Artio Globals Class A common
stock entitled to payment of the merger consideration will be sent a letter of transmittal from the paying agent, describing how such holder may exchange its shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock for the merger consideration.
The paying agent will pay you your merger consideration after you have delivered a completed and executed letter of
transmittal to the paying agent.
If your shares are certificated, you must also surrender your stock certificates to the paying agent. In the event of a transfer of ownership of our Class A common stock that is not registered in our stock
transfer books, the merger consideration for those shares of our Class A common stock so transferred may be paid to a person other than the person in whose name the surrendered certificate or uncertificated shares are registered if the
certificate is presented to the paying agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any transfer taxes have been paid or are not applicable.
Please do not return your stock certificates with the enclosed proxy card, and do not forward your stock certificates to the paying
agent until you receive instructions to do so from the paying agent.
If your stock certificate has been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact and, if required by the Surviving Company, the posting of a bond, in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Company may direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against it with
respect to such certificate, the paying agent will deliver, in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, the merger consideration to be paid in respect of the shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock represented by such
certificate.
No interest or will be paid or accrued on the merger consideration upon your surrender of your certificate or
certificates. Aberdeen, the Surviving Company and the paying agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold any applicable taxes from the per share merger consideration. Any sum that is withheld will be deemed to have been paid to the person with
regard to whom it is withheld.
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From and after the effective time of the Merger, there will be no further registration of
transfers on our stock transfer books of shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock that were outstanding immediately before the effective time of the Merger.
Upon demand, the paying agent will return to Aberdeen all funds in its possession 12 months after the effective time of the Merger. After that time, if you have not received payment of the merger
consideration, you may look only to the Surviving Company for payment of the merger consideration, without interest, subject to applicable abandoned property, escheat and similar laws. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by holders of shares of Artio
Globals Class A common stock on the earlier of the fifth anniversary of the effective time or immediately prior to such time when the amounts would otherwise escheat to or become property of any governmental authority will become, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, the property of Aberdeen free and clear of any claims or interest of any person previously entitled thereto. Any portion of the merger consideration made available to the paying agent to pay for shares of Artio
Globals Class
A common stock for which appraisal rights have been perfected will be returned to Aberdeen, upon demand.
Representations
and Warranties
The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties made by Artio Global to Aberdeen and Merger
Subsidiary, and representations and warranties made by Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary to Artio Global. These representations and warranties are subject to important limitations and qualifications agreed to by the parties in connection with
negotiating the terms of the Merger Agreement. In particular, the representations of Artio Global are qualified by disclosure contained in filings that Artio Global made with the SEC between January 1, 2010 and the date of the Merger Agreement
(excluding any disclosure set forth in any risk factor section, in any section relating to forward-looking statements and any other disclosures included therein to the extent they are cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature contained in
such filings), as well as by a confidential disclosure letter that Artio Global delivered to Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary concurrently with the signing of the Merger Agreement. In addition, certain representations and warranties were made as of a
specified date, may be subject to contractual standards of materiality different from those generally applicable to public disclosures to stockholders, or may have been used for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties rather than
establishing matters of fact. For the foregoing reasons, you should not read the representations and warranties given by the parties in the Merger Agreement or any description thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of
Artio Global, Aberdeen or Merger Subsidiary.
Artio Globals material representations and warranties relate to, among
other things:
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corporate organization, good standing and qualification to do business;
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Artio Globals and its subsidiaries capitalization, including the number of outstanding shares of Artio Global Class A common stock and
certain equity-based interests;
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Artio Globals corporate power and authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA and to consummate the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA;
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enforceability of the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA;
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required consents and approvals of governmental entities in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement;
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the absence of violations of or conflicts with Artio Globals and its subsidiaries governing documents, applicable law or certain agreements
as a result of entering into the Merger Agreement, entering into the Restated TRA and consummating the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA;
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the compliance with SEC requirements of Artio Globals SEC filings since January 1, 2010, including the accuracy of and compliance with GAAP
and SEC requirements of the financial statements contained therein;
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the adequacy of Artio Globals disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting;
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Artio Globals and its subsidiaries client relationships, assets under management and compliance with certain laws and regulations governing
investment advisers;
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the mutual funds advised by Artio Global, their operations and their compliance with applicable laws;
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the absence of undisclosed liabilities;
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the absence of certain changes or events since December 31, 2011 through the date of the Merger Agreement;
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permits and licensing requirements;
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Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance;
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matters relating to employee benefit plans;
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employment and labor matters affecting Artio Global or its subsidiaries;
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title to, and other matters relating to, real property and assets;
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material contracts and performance of obligations and the absence of any default thereunder;
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affiliate transactions;
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the recommendation of Artio Globals Board in connection with stockholder approval of the Merger;
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the required vote of Artio Globals stockholders in connection with the adoption of the Merger Agreement and approval of the Merger;
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exemption from any state anti-takeover statutes;
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the receipt by the Committee of an opinion from its financial advisor;
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absence of undisclosed brokers fees; and
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accuracy of information to be contained in this proxy statement.
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Many of Artio Globals representations and warranties are qualified by a materiality standard or a Company Material Adverse
Effect standard. For the purposes of the Merger Agreement, Company Material Adverse Effect means an event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate, (1) has or is
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), liabilities or results of operations of Artio Global and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (2) has a material
adverse effect on the ability of Artio Global to perform its obligations under the Merger Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
However, none of the following and no event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts to the extent attributable to the following shall be deemed to constitute Company Material Adverse
Effect or be taken into account when determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur:
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general market or general economic conditions in the United States or abroad;
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the announcement, pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (including the impact thereof on the relationships,
contractual or otherwise, of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries with employees or clients);
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general conditions in the industries in which Artio Global and its subsidiaries operate;
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changes in the trading price or trading volume of our Class A common stock or any failure of Artio Global to meet analysts estimates,
projections or forecasts of revenues, earnings or other financial or business metrics (it being understood that any cause of any such change or failure may be taken into consideration);
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any change in our assets under management or revenue run rate, including as a result of customer or client attrition, changes in asset valuation or
market-price or currency fluctuations (it being understood that any cause of any such change to the extent arising out of or related to any breach or alleged breach of law, contractual obligations, guidelines, policies or other similar matters, any
misconduct or alleged misconduct, or any gross negligence or alleged gross negligence (but in the case of gross negligence or alleged gross negligence, only as to the foregoing matters listed in this parenthetical) may be taken into consideration);
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war, terrorist act, other armed hostilities, calamities, natural disasters or crisis; or
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any change in Law or GAAP (or other accounting principles or requirements) or the authoritative interpretations or enforcement thereof;
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except, in the cases of the first, third, sixth and seventh bullets above, to the extent (but only to the extent) any such
event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts has a disproportionate effect on Artio Global and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other participants in the industries in which Artio Global and its subsidiaries
conduct their businesses.
The Merger Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties made by Aberdeen and
Merger Subsidiary that are subject, in some cases, to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the Merger Agreement. The representations and warranties of Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary relate to, among other things:
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corporate organization, good standing and qualification to do business;
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their corporate power and authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and
Aberdeen U.S.s corporate power and authority to enter into the Restated TRA and to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Restated TRA;
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enforceability of the Merger Agreement;
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required consents and approvals of governmental entities in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement;
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the absence of any violation of or conflict with their governing documents, applicable law or certain agreements as a result of entering into the
Merger Agreement, the Restated TRA (in the case of Aberdeen U.S.) and consummating the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Restated TRA (in the case of Aberdeen U.S.);
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required consents and approvals of governmental entities in connection with the consummation of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by
the Merger Agreement;
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absence of undisclosed brokers fees;
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availability of sufficient funds at closing to pay the aggregate merger consideration and all other amounts required to be paid by Aberdeen and Merger
Subsidiary in connection with the Merger;
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the operations of Merger Subsidiary;
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accuracy of the information supplied by Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary for inclusion in this proxy statement; and
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the ownership of Artio Global stock.
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Many of Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiarys representations and warranties are qualified by a Parent Material Adverse Effect standard. For the purposes of the Merger Agreement, Parent
Material Adverse Effect
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means any event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate, would prevent or materially impair or delay or would be reasonably likely to
prevent or materially impair or delay the ability of Aberdeen or Merger Subsidiary to perform their respective obligations under the Merger Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
The representations and warranties of each of the parties to the Merger Agreement will expire upon the effective time of the Merger.
Conduct of Business by Artio Global Pending the Merger
Artio Global has agreed to certain covenants in the Merger Agreement restricting the conduct of its business between the date of the
Merger Agreement and the effective time of the Merger. In general, Artio Global has agreed to (i) conduct its business in the ordinary-course in a manner consistent with past practice and (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to
preserve intact its present business organization, including the services of its key employees (including portfolio managers and senior research analysts) and the goodwill of its customers, clients, lenders, distributors, intermediaries, suppliers,
regulators and other persons with whom it has material business relationships.
Except as (i) required by applicable law,
(ii) set forth in the confidential disclosure letter delivered by Artio Global to Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, or (iii) expressly required by the Merger Agreement, unless Aberdeen
consents in writing, from the date of the Merger Agreement until the earlier of the effective time of the Merger or the termination of the Merger Agreement, Artio Global may not, and may not permit any of its subsidiaries to:
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make changes to its organizational documents, except for immaterial changes of any subsidiarys organizational documents;
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authorize for issuance or grant, or issue or grant, any securities, other than the issuance of Artio Globals Class A common stock in
connection with the settlement of any equity awards outstanding as of the date of the Merger Agreement;
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redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any of Artio Globals or its subsidiaries securities except for
redemptions, retirements, repurchases or acquisitions in connection with the forfeiture of equity awards pursuant to their terms or the terms of any contract or the withholding of Artio Global securities to satisfy tax obligations with respect to
equity awards;
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make any change in Artio Global or its subsidiaries securities, whether by reason of reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or
combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, stock dividend or otherwise;
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make, declare, set aside or pay any dividends or other distribution in respect of, or enter into any contract with respect to the voting of, any of
Artio Global or its subsidiaries securities except that a wholly owned subsidiary of Artio Global may make, declare, set aside and pay dividends or distributions to Artio Global or another wholly owned subsidiary thereof;
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except on behalf of a client, sell, assign, transfer, sublease, license or otherwise convey or dispose of any of its assets, real property (or any
rights or part thereof) with a fair market value in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate, except that Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries may take the foregoing actions with respect to worn-out or obsolete equipment for fair or reasonable value
in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
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adopt or effect a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;
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redeem, repurchase, prepay, defease, incur or otherwise acquire any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any debt securities or assume, guarantee
or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any person for borrowed money;
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subject to certain exceptions, voluntarily subject any of its assets, properties or rights or any part thereof, to any lien or voluntarily suffer such
a lien to exist;
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make or incur any capital expenditure in excess of $250,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
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except on behalf of a client, acquire or offer or agree to acquire any person or any division or assets thereof, or make any loans, advances or capital
contributions to or investments in any person (other than Artio Global or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries), except that Artio Global and its subsidiaries may make loans or advances (x) to employees for travel or other expenses or
(y) that constitute the extension of trade credit to any customer or client thereof, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
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enter into, or amend or modify in any material respect, or terminate or waive any material terms or conditions of, any material contract, except that
it may (x) enter into any contract that would have been a material contract if entered into prior to the date of the Merger Agreement and (y) amend, modify or terminate any material contract, in each case in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice.
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with respect to Artio Globals individual service providers and employee benefit plans:
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increase in any manner (including by means of acceleration of payment) the compensation or benefits payable or to become payable to the directors,
officers, consultants or employees of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries, except, with respect to consultants and employees who are not employees at the level of first vice president or above, portfolio managers, research or credit analysts,
members of the high yield team or high grade team or directors of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
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establish, adopt, enter into or amend, materially increase any benefits available or payable under, or accelerate the payment of any amounts or
benefits under, any employee benefit plan;
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take any affirmative action to amend or waive any performance or vesting criteria or accelerate vesting, exercisability, settlement or funding under
any employee benefit plan;
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hire (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to fill vacancies of positions other than employees at the level of first
vice president or above, portfolio managers, research or credit analysts and members of the high yield team or high grade team) or terminate (except for cause) any director, employee at the level of first vice president or above, portfolio manager,
research or credit analyst or member of the high yield team or high grade team;
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promote any existing director, officer, consultant or employee to a more senior position or otherwise appoint, promote or transfer any such person to
another position, or assign such person materially different responsibilities, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to any employee who is not, and would not become, an employee at the level of first
vice president or above, portfolio manager, research or credit analyst or a member of the high yield team or high grade team; or
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take any action with respect to salary, compensation, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment, consultancy or directorship that would
result in any director, officer, consultant or employee having good reason (or words of similar meaning) to terminate service and collect severance payments and benefits, except to effect a termination of any persons employment for
cause (as defined in the employee benefit plan or by Artio Globals Board acting in good faith, as applicable);
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cause any of our public funds that holds itself out as qualifying as a regulated investment company under Section 851 of the Internal
Revenue Code to fail to so qualify;
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initiate any material modification to the prospectus and other offering, advertising and marketing materials, as amended or supplemented, of any of our
public funds then engaging in a public offering of its shares to effect any material change to the investment objectives or investment policies of such public fund;
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effect any Merger, consolidation or other reorganization of any of our public funds;
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amend or modify in any respect, or consent to the termination or waiver of, any term or condition of the Restated TRA;
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agree to reduce, waive, cap or rebate the compensation paid by any client other than, in the case of clients that are not funds, in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practice;
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form, organize or sponsor any new fund;
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settle, compromise, release or forgive any legal actions to which Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries is a party or is threatened to be made a
party, other than any such settlement, compromise, release or forgiveness that involves only the payment of monetary damages (and does not provide for any form of equitable, injunctive or similar relief and does not contain as a term thereof any
material restrictions on the business or operations of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries) not in excess of $250,000 with respect to any such action or $1,000,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such actions;
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make any material change in any method of accounting or accounting principle, method, estimate or practice, except for any such change required by
reason of a concurrent change in GAAP;
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make or change any material tax election or file any material amendment to a material tax return, except, in each case, as required by applicable law;
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enter into any material closing agreement, settle any material tax claim, audit or assessment, surrender any right to claim a material refund of taxes,
or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any tax claim, audit or assessment relating to Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries if any such election, change, amendment, agreement, settlement, surrender, consent or
other action would have the effect of materially increasing the tax liability of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries for any period ending after the closing date or materially decreasing any tax attribute existing on the closing date of the
Merger;
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pay any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or assets to, or enter into any agreement or arrangement with, any of its affiliates
(other than Artio Global or any subsidiary thereof), other than the payment of compensation to directors, officers and employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or
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agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in the Merger Agreement gives Aberdeen or Merger Subsidiary the right to control or direct the operations of Artio Global and its subsidiaries prior to the effective
time, and no consent of Aberdeen or Merger Subsidiary is required with respect to the foregoing matters to the extent inconsistent with applicable law.
Public Fund Board and Shareholder Approvals
Each of Artio Global and Investment Adviser has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to, as promptly as practicable after the
date of the Merger Agreement, obtain the approval of each of the boards of directors or boards of trustees (or persons performing a similar function) of the funds registered with the SEC as investment companies under the Investment Company Act to
which Investment Adviser serves as investment adviser, which funds we refer to as our public funds and which boards of directors/trustees we refer to as the public fund boards, of a new investment advisory arrangement between
Investment Adviser and such boards public fund, to be effective as of the closing of the Merger. In addition, Artio Global and Investment Adviser has each agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to request each public fund to obtain, as
promptly as practicable following such approval by its public fund board, the approval of the shareholders of such public fund of the new investment advisory arrangement between the Investment Adviser and such public fund.
As promptly as practicable following approval of a public fund board, Artio Global or one if its subsidiaries will (in coordination with
the applicable public fund and under the general direction of the applicable public fund board) prepare and file proxy materials for a public fund shareholder meeting to approve the new investment advisory arrangement between the Investment Adviser
and such public fund.
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Efforts to Obtain Required Stockholder Vote
Subject to Artio Globals Boards right to change its recommendation (as described below), Artio Global is obligated to
(i) include in this proxy statement the recommendation of Artio Globals Board that Artio Global stockholders vote in favor of the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain
stockholder approval of the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding any recommendation withdrawal, Artio Global is obligated to convene a stockholders meeting for the purpose of obtaining stockholder approval of the proposal to adopt
the Merger Agreement, unless the Merger Agreement has previously been terminated in accordance with its terms.
No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals; Changes in Board Recommendation
Under the Merger Agreement, Artio Global and its subsidiaries may not and may not authorize or permit any of its officers, directors,
employees, representatives, advisors or other intermediaries to:
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solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate the submission of inquiries, proposals or offers from any person (other than Aberdeen) relating to any
acquisition proposal (as defined below), or agree to or recommend any acquisition proposal;
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enter into any agreement to consummate any acquisition proposal, approve any acquisition proposal or, in connection with an acquisition proposal
require it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger;
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enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations in connection with any acquisition proposal or inquiry with respect to any acquisition
proposal, or furnish to any person any non-public information with respect to its business, properties or assets in connection with any acquisition proposal; or
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agree or resolve to take any of the foregoing actions.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to obtaining stockholder approval of the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement, Artio Global is permitted to, in response to an unsolicited
bona fide
written
acquisition proposal that Artio Globals Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) has determined in good faith after consultation with its financial advisors and legal counsel constitutes or would reasonably be expected to result
in a superior proposal (as defined below):
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subject to certain limitations, comply with applicable securities laws associated with responding to tender offers;
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engage in negotiations or discussions with any person and its representatives, advisors and intermediaries; or
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furnish to any such person information relating to Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a confidentiality agreement with terms generally
no less favorable to Artio Global than the terms provided by Aberdeen (and to the extent non-public information that has not been made available to Aberdeen is made available to such person, Artio Global must make available or furnish such
non-public information to Aberdeen substantially concurrently with the time such non-public information is provided to such person).
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The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to obtaining stockholder approval of the proposal to adopt the Merger Agreement, Artio Globals Board may withdraw, modify or amend in any manner adverse to
Aberdeen its approval or recommendation of the Merger Agreement or Merger:
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in response to the occurrence of an intervening event; or
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following receipt of an unsolicited
bona fide
written acquisition proposal that the Artio Global Board (acting upon the recommendation of the
Committee) determines in good faith, in consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is a superior proposal;
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in each case if and only if the Artio Global Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel,
that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and, in the case of a superior proposal, subject to Aberdeens match right described below.
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In addition, following receipt of an unsolicited
bona fide
written acquisition
proposal, which Artio Globals Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determines in good faith, in consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is a superior proposal, Artio Global may subject to
Aberdeens match right described below, terminate the Merger Agreement for the purpose of entering into a definitive acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement with respect to such superior proposal if and only if
Artio Globals Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) has determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its
fiduciary duties under applicable law and Artio Global concurrently pays Aberdeen the termination fee described below.
Prior
to Artio Global changing its recommendation that the stockholders should approve the Merger Agreement as a result of an intervening event, Artio Global must provide Aberdeen with written notice specifying, in reasonable detail, the reasons for such
change.
Prior to Artio Global changing its recommendation that the stockholders should approve the Merger Agreement as a
result of an unsolicited
bona fide
written acquisition proposal that the Artio Global Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determines in good faith, in consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is
a superior proposal or terminating the Merger Agreement to accept such a superior proposal, Artio Global must provide Aberdeen five business days prior written notice (or in the case of any material amendment to the amount or form of
consideration payable in connection with an applicable acquisition proposal that would cause such proposal to constitute a superior proposal, an additional three business days written notice) advising Aberdeen that the Artio Global Board
(acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) intends to take such action, and specifying the material terms and conditions of the superior proposal and that Artio Global shall, during such five business day period (or subsequent three business
day period, if applicable), negotiate in good faith with Aberdeen to make such adjustments to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement such that such acquisition proposal would no longer constitute a superior proposal.
The Merger Agreement provides that Artio Global will notify Aberdeen promptly upon the receipt or occurrence of (i) any acquisition
proposal, (ii) any proposals, discussions, negotiations or inquiries that would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal and (iii) the material terms and conditions of any such acquisition proposal, including the identity
of the person making any such acquisition proposal or with whom discussions or negotiations are taking place. In addition, Artio Global must promptly provide Aberdeen with (x) updates regarding the status and material details of any acquisition
proposal (or any discussions or negotiations that might reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal) and (y) any documentation received that is material to understanding any acquisition proposal received from a person making an
acquisition proposal or with whom discussions or negotiations would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal. Any such information provided to Aberdeen will be subject to the existing confidentiality arrangement between Artio Global
and Aberdeen.
Under the Merger Agreement, Artio Global must maintain in effect the provisions of any standstill or
confidentiality agreement to which it is a party, except that prior to entering into the Merger Agreement, Artio Global waived any provision in any such agreements to the extent (but only to the extent) that such provision prohibited a counterparty
from confidentially requesting that Artio Global amend or waive the standstill provision in the applicable agreement (
i.e.
, a dont ask to waive provision) to enable such counterparty to convey confidentially to Artio
Globals Board an acquisition proposal.
For the purposes of the Merger Agreement, an acquisition proposal
means any offer or proposal for a merger, reorganization, recapitalization, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries involving, or
any proposal or offer to acquire, directly or indirectly, securities representing more than 15% of the voting power of Artio Global or more than 15% of the assets of Artio Global and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than the Merger
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
For the purposes of the Merger Agreement, a superior proposal means any
proposal (on its most recently amended or modified terms, if amended or modified) made by a third party to enter into any transaction involving an acquisition proposal that Artio Globals Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee)
determines in its good faith judgment (after consultation with Artio Globals outside legal counsel and financial
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advisor) would be, if consummated, more favorable to Artio Globals stockholders than the Merger Agreement and the Merger, taking into account all terms and conditions of such transaction
(including any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provision and financial terms, the anticipated timing, conditions and prospects for completion of such transaction, including the prospects for obtaining regulatory approvals and financing, and any
third party approvals), except that the references to 15% in the definition of acquisition proposal shall be deemed to be references to 80%. Reference to the Merger Agreement, and the
Merger in this paragraph shall be deemed to include any proposed alteration of the terms of the Merger Agreement or the Merger that are agreed to by Aberdeen after Artio Global provides notice of a superior proposal (as described above).
Employee Benefits Matters
Artio Global and Aberdeen have agreed that, for at least 12 months after the effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen will provide each continuing employee of Artio Global with (i) a base salary, wage
or commission rate and bonus and incentive compensation opportunity at least equal to the base salary, wage or commission rate and bonus and incentive compensation opportunity provided to such employee immediately prior to the effective time of the
Merger and (ii) employee benefits (other than incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits, if any) that are no less favorable, in the aggregate, to either (A) such
employee benefits (other than incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits) provided by Artio Global to such continuing employee immediately prior to the effective time of the
Merger or (B) such employee benefits (other than incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits) provided to employees of Aberdeen and its subsidiaries who are similarly situated
to such continuing employee. However, if any continuing employee of Artio Global is entitled to a certain base salary, wage or commission rate, bonus and incentive compensation opportunity or employee benefits under a contract, such continuing
employee shall receive compensation and benefits in accordance with such contract.
In addition, Aberdeen has agreed to:
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provide, for each continuing employee of Artio Global (i) who is a participant in Artio Globals Severance Pay Plan prior to the effective
time of the Merger, (ii) who is not a party to a contract providing severance benefits and (iii) whose employment is involuntarily terminated within 12 months of the effective time of the Merger, severance benefits that are no less
favorable than the severance benefits, if any, that would have been provided to such employee pursuant to Artio Globals Severance Pay Plan upon an involuntary termination of employment prior to the effective time of the Merger;
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credit each continuing employee of Artio Global for service with Artio Global for purposes of eligibility and vesting, including for purposes of
accrual of vacation and other paid time off and severance benefits, under Aberdeens benefit plans to the extent past service was recognized for such employee under substantially similar Artio Global employee benefit plans immediately prior to
the effective time of the Merger;
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waive limitations as to pre-existing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods for participation and coverage requirements applicable to each
continuing employee of Artio Global under any Aberdeen health plans; and
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use its commercially reasonable efforts to recognize co-payments, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses paid by each continuing employee of Artio
Global in the calendar year in which the effective time of the Merger occurs for purposes of annual co-payment, deductible and out-of-pocket limits under the Aberdeen health plans.
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Indemnification and Insurance
Under the Merger Agreement, from and after the effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen and its subsidiaries will cause the Surviving Company and its subsidiaries to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, to
the fullest extent permitted or required by applicable law, each present or former director or officer of Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries, which individuals we collectively refer to as the indemnified parties, against any losses,
claims, damages, liabilities, costs, legal and other expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement or
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actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, in respect of any actions
or omissions (or alleged actions or omissions) by any indemnified party prior to the effective time of the Merger (including in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement). In addition, each indemnified party will be
entitled to advancement of fees and expenses incurred in the defense of any such claim.
Under the Merger Agreement, for a
period of six years from the effective time of the Merger, Aberdeen will cause the Surviving Company and its subsidiaries to maintain in effect provisions in their articles of incorporation or bylaws (or similar organizational document) regarding
the elimination of liability of directors (or their equivalent), indemnification of officers and directors thereof and advancement of expenses that are, in the aggregate with respect to each such entity, no less advantageous to the intended
beneficiaries than the corresponding provisions contained in such organizational documents as of the date of the Merger Agreement.
In addition, for a period of six years after the effective time, Aberdeen will cause the Surviving Company to either maintain in effect, on terms and subject to conditions no less advantageous in any
material respect to the indemnified parties, the coverage provided by the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance, which we refer to as the D&O insurance, maintained by Artio Global and its
subsidiaries as of the effective time of the Merger with respect to matters arising on or before the effective time of the Merger, or purchase a six-year tail D&O insurance policy the covers such matters. The tail D&O
insurance policy must have terms and conditions no less advantageous in any material respect to the indemnified parties and provide at least the same coverage as Artio Globals D&O insurance in place as of the effective time. However, in
connection with the purchase of such D&O insurance, neither Aberdeen nor the Surviving Company will be required to pay annual D&O insurance premiums in excess of (x) 300% of the last annual D&O premium paid by Artio Global on its
D&O liability policy prior to the date of the Merger Agreement in respect of such coverage, if they elect to purchase annual coverage, or (y) an aggregate premium in excess of the maximum aggregate premiums that would be payable if annual
coverage is elected, if they elect to purchase tail coverage.
Regulatory Approvals; Consents;
Reasonable Best Efforts
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, each of Artio Global, Aberdeen, and
Merger Subsidiary has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, and to satisfy all conditions to, in the most expeditious manner practicable,
the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including:
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obtaining all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals from governmental entities and the making of all necessary registrations
and filings (including filings with governmental entities) and taking all steps necessary to obtain approvals from all governmental entities, including, but not limited to, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the New York Stock Exchange and the
National Futures Association;
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obtaining all necessary consents or waivers from third parties required as a result of or in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement; and
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execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary to consummate the Merger and to fully carry out the purposes of the Merger Agreement.
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In addition, Artio Global, Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary agree to (x) provide (or cause to be
provided) as promptly as practicable to governmental entities with jurisdiction over the HSR Act any information and documents requested by any such governmental authority as necessary, proper or advisable to permit consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including preparing and filing any notification and report form and related material required under the HSR Act and responding to any request for additional information or documentary material that may be made
under the HSR Act and (y) use their reasonable best efforts to take such actions as are necessary to obtain prompt approval of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement by any governmental entity. However, in
connection with the foregoing, Aberdeen is not obligated to, and Artio Global and their respective subsidiaries will not, without Aberdeens prior written consent, agree to any divestiture of shares of capital stock or of any business,
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assets or property, or the imposition of any limitation on the ability of any of them to conduct their businesses or to own or exercise control of their assets, properties and stock to avoid or
eliminate any impediment under the HSR Act.
Other Covenants and Agreements
The Merger Agreement contains other customary covenants and agreements, including covenants relating to:
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providing the representatives of Aberdeen reasonable access to Artio Globals employees, properties, books, contracts and records;
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providing each party with notice of certain material communications in connection with the Merger Agreement, including communications with governmental
entities and notice of events reasonably likely to cause the conditions to closing (as described below) not to be satisfied;
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the issuance of press releases or other public statements relating to the Merger Agreement and/or the Merger;
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cooperation regarding Artio Globals delisting from the NYSE;
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providing Aberdeen with information regarding any stockholder litigation relating to the Merger;
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obtaining the consents of certain clients that maybe required under the investment advisory arrangements with those clients;
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certain undertakings regarding compliance with Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act; and
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the provision of certain notices by Investment Adviser to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
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Conditions to the Merger
Conditions to Each Partys Obligations
. Each partys obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:
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approval of the Merger Agreement by an affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Artio Globals Class A
common stock entitled to vote thereon;
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absence of any applicable law, order or other legal restraint arising after the date of the Merger Agreement prohibiting the consummation of the
Merger; and
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expiration or termination of any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act relating to the Merger.
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Conditions to Aberdeens and Merger Subsidiarys Obligations
. Aberdeens and Merger Subsidiarys obligations to
consummate the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of further conditions, including:
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Artio Globals representations and warranties being true and correct, subject to various materiality and other qualifiers, as of the date of the
Merger Agreement and as of the closing date of the Merger (or in the case of representations and warranties that are made as of another specified time, as of such time);
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Artio Globals performance in all material respects of all agreements and covenants required to be performed by it at or prior to the closing date
of the Merger;
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absence of a Company Material Adverse Effect between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the closing date of the Merger;
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the receipt by Aberdeen of an officers certificate by Artio Global certifying that the foregoing three conditions have been satisfied;
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the board of directors or trustees and the shareholders of each of the Artio Total Return Bond Fund and the Artio Global High Income Fund having
approved a new investment advisory arrangement between Investment Adviser and the respective fund;
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either (a) the board of directors or trustees and the shareholders of each of the Artio International Equity Fund and Artio International Equity
II Fund having approved a new investment advisory
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arrangement between the respective fund and Investment Adviser or (b) (1) the board of directors or trustees of each of the Artio International Equity Fund and Artio International
Equity II Fund having approved (x) a new investment advisory arrangement between the respective fund and Investment Adviser and (y) an interim investment advisory arrangement between the respective fund and Investment Adviser in accordance
with Rule 15a-4 under the Investment Company Act and (2) no less than 40% of the outstanding voting securities of each of the Artio International Equity Fund and Artio International Equity II Fund having voted or having otherwise been counted
toward a quorum with respect to the shareholder meeting called to approve the new investment advisory arrangement between the respective fund and Investment Adviser, with no less than 80% of such outstanding voting securities having voted to approve
such new investment advisory arrangement; and
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the Restated TRA being valid and in full force and effect.
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Conditions to Artio Globals Obligations
. Artio Globals obligation to consummate the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of further conditions, including:
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Aberdeens and Merger Subsidiarys representations and warranties being true and correct, subject to various materiality and other
qualifiers, as of the date of the Merger Agreement and as of the closing date of the Merger (or in the case of representations and warranties that are made as of another specified time, as of such time); and
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Aberdeens and Merger Subsidiarys performance in all material respects of all obligations required to be performed by them at or prior to
the closing date of the Merger.
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Termination of the Merger Agreement
Artio Global and Aberdeen may terminate the Merger Agreement by mutual written consent, by action of their respective boards of directors
(in the case of Artio Global, by action of its Board, acting upon recommendation of the Committee) at any time before the effective time of the Merger. In addition, either Artio Global or Aberdeen may terminate the Merger Agreement at any time
before the effective time of the Merger if:
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the Merger has not been consummated on or before October 14, 2013, which we refer to as the end date, except that a party cannot so
terminate the Merger Agreement if the failure of the Merger to be consummated before the end date resulted from that partys material breach of the Merger Agreement;
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there is any applicable law or other legal restraint arising after the date of the Merger Agreement that (1) makes consummation of the Merger
illegal or otherwise prohibited or (2) permanently enjoins or prohibits Artio Global or Aberdeen from consummating the Merger and such law or legal restraint has become final and nonappealable, except that a party cannot so terminate the Merger
Agreement if that partys material breach of the Merger Agreement caused such law or legal restraint;
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at the annual meeting (including any adjournments or postponements thereof), the affirmative vote of the majority of holders of the outstanding shares
of Artio Globals Class A common stock in favor of approval of the Merger Agreement is not obtained; or
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the other party has breached the Merger Agreement (subject to a cure period) in a manner that would prevent a condition to the terminating partys
obligation to consummate the Merger from being satisfied, except that a party that is then in material breach of the Merger Agreement cannot so terminate the Merger Agreement.
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Aberdeen may also terminate the Merger Agreement at any time if:
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the shareholders of the Artio Total Return Bond Fund or the Artio Global High Income Fund fail to approve a new investment advisory arrangement;
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prior to the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the affirmative vote of the majority of the holders of Artio Global Class A common
stock entitled to vote thereon:
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Artio Globals Board withdraws, modifies or amends in any manner adverse to Aberdeen its recommendation of the Merger Agreement and the Merger;
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Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries (or either of their respective representatives) willfully and materially breaches the no solicitation
provisions of the Merger Agreement;
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Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries approves, adopts or enters into (or announces its intention to enter into) a definitive acquisition agreement
relating to a superior proposal; or
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Artio Globals Board fails to reaffirm its recommendation in connection with an acquisition proposal from a third party or in connection with a
tender offer commenced by a third party;
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In addition, following receipt of an unsolicited
bona fide
acquisition proposal, which the Artio Global Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, is a superior proposal, and subject to
Aberdeens right to negotiate in good faith with Artio Global to make adjustments to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement such that the
bona fide
acquisition proposal would no longer constitute a superior proposal. Artio
Global can terminate the Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the superior proposal, if and only if the Artio Global Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) determines in good faith, after
consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and Artio Global concurrently pays Aberdeen the termination fee described
below.
Fees and Expenses; Termination Fee
Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement will be paid by the party incurring those expenses. However, the fees and expenses associated with obtaining the approval of our public funds boards and shareholders in connection with the new investment advisory arrangements will be
shared equally between Aberdeen and Artio Global.
In addition, the Merger Agreement provides that Artio Global will be
required to pay Aberdeen a termination fee of $5.7 million upon termination of the Merger Agreement (except as otherwise provided below) in certain circumstances, including if:
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Aberdeen terminates the Merger Agreement because Artio Globals Board (acting upon the recommendation of the Committee) changes or fails to
reaffirm its recommendation or Artio Global willfully and materially breaches its no solicitation obligations;
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Artio Global terminates the Merger Agreement in order to accept a superior proposal; or
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either party terminates the Merger Agreement due to the failure of the Merger to be consummated by the end date (and Artio Global stockholder approval
has not been obtained) or due to failure of Artio Globals stockholders to approve the Merger, but in each case only if:
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at the time of termination, an alternative acquisition proposal had been proposed to Artio Global or publicly disclosed or announced; and
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within 12 months after termination, Artio Global enters into or consummates any alternative transaction for at least a majority of Artio Global;
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provided that in such case the termination fee is payable only if Artio Global consummates such alternative transaction.
In addition, if either party terminates the Merger Agreement due to failure of Artio Globals stockholders to approve the
Merger, Artio Global will reimburse Aberdeen up to $1 million in expenses (which expenses will be netted from any subsequent payment of the termination fee).
Effect of Termination
If the Merger Agreement
is terminated in accordance with its terms, the Merger Agreement will become void and of no effect without liability of any party (or any of their respective directors, officers, representatives, agents or affiliates, except that certain
confidentiality obligations will remain in effect. Termination of the
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Merger Agreement will not relieve any party from any liability for intentional breach of any covenant or agreement set forth in the Merger Agreement, a breach by a party of its representations
and warranties in the Merger Agreement made with knowledge of such breach or the intentional failure of a party to fulfill a condition to the other partys obligations (and in the case of any of the foregoing, damages will not be limited to
reimbursement of expenses or out-of-pocket costs).
However, if the termination fee becomes due and payable, the payment by
Artio Global of the termination fee will preclude Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary from any other remedy against Artio Global (and any person making an acquisition proposal or superior proposal, if applicable) at law or in equity or otherwise.
Specific Performance
The Merger Agreement provides that the parties will be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of the Merger Agreement and to specifically enforce the terms and provisions of the Merger Agreement.
The parties further agree not to assert that a remedy of specific performance is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason.
Amendment or Waiver of the Merger Agreement
The
Merger Agreement may be amended if such amendment is authorized by the parties respective boards of directors (in the case of Artio Global, by action of its Board of Directors, acting upon recommendation of the Committee) and is in writing and
signed by each party to the Merger Agreement; however, after the approval by Artio Globals stockholders of the Merger Agreement has been obtained, there may not be any amendment that would require the further approval of Artio Globals
stockholders under law without such further approval. Each party, by action taken by the applicable board of directors (in the case of Artio Global, by action of its Board of Directors, acting upon recommendation of the Committee), may waive
compliance by the other party of any agreement or condition in the Merger Agreement if the waiver is set forth in a written instrument signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
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MARKET PRICES OF ARTIO GLOBAL CLASS A COMMON STOCK
Artio Globals Class A common stock is listed on the NYSE and is traded under the ticker symbol
ART. As of April 8, 2013, there were 60,548,105 Class A common shares outstanding (including shares of restricted stock). The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of shares of Artio Globals Class A
common stock as reported on the NYSE, and the quarterly cash dividends declared per share for the periods indicated.
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Artio Global Class A Common Stock
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High
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Low
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Dividend
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2011
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First Quarter
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$
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16.57
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$
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14.11
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$
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0.06
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Second Quarter
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$
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17.24
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$
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11.16
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$
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0.06
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Third Quarter
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$
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12.29
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$
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6.65
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$
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0.06
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Fourth Quarter
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$
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8.30
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$
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4.77
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$
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0.06
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2012
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First Quarter
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$
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5.77
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$
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4.16
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$
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0.06
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Second Quarter
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$
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4.90
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$
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2.83
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$
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0.02
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Third Quarter
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$
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3.56
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$
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2.88
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$
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0.02
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Fourth Quarter
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$
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3.05
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$
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1.72
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$
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0.02
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2013
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First Quarter
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$
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2.75
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$
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1.91
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$
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0.00
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The closing sale price of Artio Globals Class A common stock on the NYSE on
February 13, 2013, the last trading day before we announced the execution of the Merger Agreement, was $2.01. The $2.75 per share to be paid for each share of Artio Globals Class A common stock in the Merger represents a premium of
approximately 34% to the closing price on February 13, 2013, and approximately a 38% premium over $2.00, the average closing price of shares of Artio Globals Class A common stock on the NYSE for the 30 trading days ended
February 13, 2013.
Dividend Policy
In the past, Artio Global paid quarterly dividends to Class A common stock in amounts that reflect managements view of our financial performance and liquidity. On February 13, 2013, Artio
Globals Board suspended the quarterly dividend paid on shares of its Class A common stock. Quarterly dividends were declared on Artio Globals Class A common stock during 2011 and 2012 in the amounts set forth above.
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APPRAISAL RIGHTS
Under the DGCL, you have the right to dissent from the Merger and to receive payment in cash for the fair value of your common stock
(exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Merger) as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, as determined by the court, in lieu of the consideration
you would otherwise be entitled to receive pursuant to the Merger Agreement. These rights are known as appraisal rights. Artio Global stockholders electing to exercise appraisal rights must comply with the provisions of Section 262 of the DGCL
in order to perfect their rights.
The following is intended as a brief summary of the material provisions of the Delaware
statutory procedures required to be followed by a stockholder in order to dissent from the Merger and perfect appraisal rights.
This summary, however, is not a complete statement of all applicable requirements and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
Section 262 of the DGCL, the full text of which appears in Annex F to this proxy statement. Failure to precisely follow any of the statutory procedures set forth in Section 262 of the DGCL may result in a termination or waiver of your
appraisal rights.
Section 262 requires that stockholders be notified that appraisal rights will be available not less
than 20 days before the stockholders meeting to vote on the Merger.
A copy of Section 262 must be included with
such notice. This proxy statement constitutes Artio Globals notice to its stockholders of the availability of appraisal rights in connection with the Merger in compliance with the requirements of Section 262.
Artio Global stockholders who may wish to exercise their appraisal rights or may wish to preserve their right to do so should review
Annex F carefully and in its entirety and should consult with their legal advisor, since failure to timely comply with the procedures set forth therein will result in the loss of such rights.
If you elect to demand appraisal of your shares, you must satisfy each of the following conditions:
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You must deliver to Artio Global a written demand for appraisal of your shares before the vote with respect to the Merger is taken. This written demand
for appraisal must be in addition to and separate from any proxy or vote abstaining from or voting against the adoption of the Merger Agreement. Voting
AGAINST
or failing to vote
FOR
the adoption of the Merger
Agreement by itself does not constitute a demand for appraisal within the meaning of Section 262.
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You must either vote against the adoption of the Merger Agreement or abstain from voting on the adoption of the Merger Agreement. A vote in favor of
the adoption of the Merger Agreement, by proxy, over the Internet, by telephone or in person, will constitute a waiver of your appraisal rights in respect of the shares so voted and will nullify any previously filed written demands for appraisal.
Because a proxy that does not contain voting instructions will, unless revoked, be voted in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, a stockholder who wishes to exercise appraisal rights must vote against the adoption of the Merger Agreement or
abstain from voting.
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You must continuously hold the shares of record from the date of making the demand through the effective time.
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If you fail to comply with any of these conditions and the Merger is completed, you will be entitled to receive the cash payment for your
shares of common stock as provided for in the Merger Agreement, but you will have no appraisal rights with respect to your shares of common stock.
All demands for appraisal should be addressed to Artio Global Investors Inc., 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Corporate Secretary, and must be delivered before the vote on the
Merger Agreement is taken at the annual meeting, and should be executed by, or on behalf of, the record holder of the shares of our common stock. The demand must reasonably inform Artio Global of the identity of the stockholder and the intention of
the stockholder to demand appraisal of his, her or its shares. To be effective, a demand for appraisal by a holder of our common stock must be made by, or in the name of, such registered stockholder, fully and correctly, as the stockholders
name appears on his, her or its stock certificate(s).
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Only a holder of record of shares of our common stock is entitled to demand appraisal
rights for such shares of our common stock registered in that holders name.
In addition, the stockholder must continuously hold the shares of record from the date of making the demand through the effective time of the Merger.
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Beneficial owners who do not also hold the shares of record may not directly make appraisal demands to Artio Global. The beneficial holder must, in
such cases, have the registered owner, such as a broker, fiduciary, depository or other nominee, submit the required demand in respect of those shares.
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If shares are owned of record in a fiduciary capacity, such as by a trustee, guardian or custodian, execution of a demand for appraisal should be made
by or for the fiduciary.
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If the shares are owned of record by more than one person, as in a joint tenancy or tenancy in common, the demand should be executed by or for all
joint owners.
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An authorized agent, including an authorized agent for two or more joint owners, may execute the demand for appraisal for a stockholder of record;
however, the agent must identify the record owner or owners and expressly disclose the fact that, in executing the demand, he or she is acting as agent for the record owners.
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A record owner, who holds shares as a nominee for others, may exercise his or her right of appraisal with respect to the shares held for one or more
beneficial owners, while not exercising this right for other beneficial owners. In that case, a demand for appraisal of such shares must be made by or on behalf of the nominee and must identify the nominee as record holder. The written demand should
also state the number of shares as to which appraisal is sought. Where no number of shares is expressly mentioned, the demand will be presumed to cover all shares held in the name of the record owner.
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If your shares of common stock are owned of record by another person, such as a broker, fiduciary, depository or other nominee, and you
wish to exercise appraisal rights, you should consult with your broker or other intermediary to determine the appropriate procedures for the record holder to make a demand for appraisal. A person having a beneficial interest in shares of common
stock held of record in the name of another person, such as a broker, fiduciary, depository or other nominee, must act promptly to cause the record holder to properly follow the steps summarized below and perfect appraisal rights in a timely manner.
If your common stock is held through a broker who in turn holds the shares through a central securities depository nominee such as Cede & Co., a demand for appraisal of such shares must be made by or on behalf of the depository nominee and
must identify the depository nominee as record holder.
Within 10 days after the effective time of the Merger, Artio
Globals successor, the Surviving Company, will provide notice of the date the Merger has become effective to each former Artio Global stockholder who has properly demanded appraisal rights under Section 262 of the DGCL and has not voted
in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement. At any time within 60 days after the effective time, any stockholder who has demanded an appraisal and who has not commenced an appraisal proceeding or joined that proceeding as a named party, has
the right to withdraw the demand for appraisal and to accept the cash payment specified by the Merger Agreement for his or her shares of common stock. Any attempt to withdraw made more than 60 days after the effectiveness of the Merger will require
the written approval of the Surviving Company and no appraisal proceeding before the Delaware Court of Chancery as to any stockholder will be dismissed without the approval of the Delaware Court of Chancery, which approval may be conditioned upon
any terms the Delaware Court of Chancery deems just. If the Surviving Company does not approve a stockholders request to withdraw a demand for appraisal when the approval is required and a petition commencing an appraisal action is timely
filed, and if the Delaware Court of Chancery does not approve the dismissal of an appraisal proceeding, the stockholder would be entitled to receive only the appraised value determined in any such appraisal proceeding. This value could be higher or
lower than, or the same as, the value of the Merger Consideration.
Within 120 days after the effective time, either the
surviving corporation or any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of Section 262 may commence an appraisal proceeding by filing a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery demanding a determination of the fair value of the shares
held by all stockholders entitled to appraisal. Upon the filing of the petition by a stockholder, service of a copy of such petition shall be
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made upon the Surviving Company. The Surviving Company has no obligation to file such a petition in the event there are dissenting stockholders. Accordingly, the stockholders who desire to have
their shares appraised should initiate any petitions necessary for the perfection of their appraisal rights within the time periods and in the manner prescribed in Section 262. The failure of a stockholder to file such a petition within the
period specified could nullify the stockholders previously written demand for appraisal.
Within 120 days after the
effective time of the Merger, any stockholder who has complied with Section 262 shall, upon written request to the Surviving Company, be entitled to receive a written statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted in favor of
the Merger Agreement and with respect to which demands for appraisal rights have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares. Such written statement will be mailed to the requesting stockholder within 10 days after such written
request is received by the Surviving Company.
A person who is the beneficial owner of shares stock held in a voting trust or
by a nominee on behalf of such person may, in such persons own name, file a petition commencing an appraisal action or request from the corporation the statement described in the prior paragraph.
If a petition for appraisal is duly filed by a stockholder and a copy of the petition is served upon the Surviving Company, the Surviving
Company will then be obligated, within 20 days after receiving service of a copy of the petition, to provide the Delaware Court of Chancery with a duly verified list containing the names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment of
their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have not been reached by the Surviving Company. Any petition filed by the Surviving Company must be accompanied by such a list. After providing notice to dissenting stockholders
who demanded appraisal of their shares, the Delaware Court of Chancery is empowered to conduct a hearing upon the petition, and to determine those stockholders who have complied with Section 262 and who have become entitled to the appraisal
rights provided thereby. The Delaware Court may require the stockholders who have demanded an appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates to submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation
thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any stockholder fails to comply with such direction, the Delaware Court may dismiss the proceedings as to such stockholder.
After determination of the stockholders entitled to appraisal of their shares of our common stock, the Delaware Court of Chancery will
conduct an appraisal proceeding in accordance with the rules of the Delaware Court, including any rules specifically governing appraisal proceedings. Through such proceeding the Delaware Court shall determine the fair value of such shares exclusive
of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the Merger, together with a fair rate of interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. When the fair value is determined, the Delaware Court of
Chancery will direct the payment of such value, with interest thereon accrued during the pendency of the proceeding, if the Delaware Court of Chancery so determines, to the stockholders entitled to receive that value upon the surrender of their
shares. Unless the Delaware Court of Chancery in its discretion determines otherwise for good cause shown, interest from the effective time of the Merger through the date of payment of the judgment shall be compounded quarterly and shall accrue at
5% over the Federal Reserve discount rate (including any surcharge) as established from time to time during the period between the effective time of the Merger and the date of payment of the judgment.
In determining fair value, the Delaware Court of Chancery is required to take into account all relevant factors.
You should be aware
that the fair value of your shares as determined under Section 262 could be more than, the same as, or less than the value that you are entitled to receive under the terms of the Merger Agreement. Moreover, Artio Global does not anticipate
offering more than the merger consideration to any stockholder exercising appraisal rights and reserves the right to assert, in any appraisal proceeding, that, for purposes of Section 262, the fair value of a share of stock is less
than the merger consideration. In determining fair value, the Delaware Court is required to take into account all relevant factors.
Costs of the appraisal proceeding may be imposed upon the Surviving Company and the stockholders participating in the appraisal proceeding by the Delaware Court of Chancery as the Delaware Court of
Chancery deems equitable in the circumstances. However, costs do not include attorneys and expert witness fees. Each
99
dissenting stockholder is responsible for his or her attorneys and expert witness expenses, although, upon the application of a dissenting stockholder, the Delaware Court of Chancery may
order all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees and the fees and expenses of experts, to be charged pro-rata against the
value of all shares entitled to appraisal. Any stockholder who had demanded appraisal rights will not, after the effective time of the Merger, be entitled to vote shares subject to that demand for any purpose or to receive payments of dividends or
any other distribution with respect to those shares, other than with respect to payment as of a record date prior to the effective time of the Merger; however, if no petition for appraisal is filed within 120 days after the effective time of the
Merger, or if the stockholder delivers a written withdrawal of his or her demand for appraisal and an acceptance of the terms of the Merger within 60 days after the effective time of the Merger, then the right of that stockholder to appraisal will
cease and that stockholder will be entitled to receive the cash payment for shares of his, her or its common stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement. Any withdrawal of a demand for appraisal made more than 60 days after the effective time of the
Merger may only be made with the written approval of the Surviving Company.
In view of the complexity of Section 262,
Artio Global stockholders who may wish to dissent from the Merger and pursue appraisal rights should consult their legal advisors.
100
FUTURE STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS AND PROPOSALS
It is not expected that Artio Global will hold annual meetings of stockholders in the future, unless the Merger is not consummated.
However, if the Merger is not completed, Artio Global expects to hold its 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. Stockholder
proposals intended to be included in the proxy statement relating to Artio Globals 2014 annual meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8, which we refer to a
s
Rule 14a-8, under the Exchange Act must be received by the Corporate
Secretary of Artio Global at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, no later than the close of business on December 12, 2013, and must otherwise comply with Rule 14a-8.
Any stockholder proposals, or nominations of directors, received outside of the Rule 14a-8 procedure for consideration at Artio
Globals 2014 annual meeting must comply with the requirements set forth in our bylaws and must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary of Artio Global at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, no later than March 17, 2014, but no
earlier than February 15, 2014, or such notice will be considered untimely under our bylaws. If such timely notice of a stockholder proposal is not given, the proposal may not be brought before the 2014 annual meeting. The deadlines above are
calculated by reference to the date of this years annual meeting.
If the date of next years
annual meeting is scheduled earlier than April 16, 2014 or later than July 15, 2014, a timely notice must be received by Artio Global no later than 70 days prior to the date of the 2014 annual meeting and the 10
th
day following the day on which a public announcement of the date of
the meeting was made. If such a change occurs, we will inform stockholders of such change and the effect of such change within the dates provided above, by including notice under Item 5 of Part II in our earliest possible quarterly report on
Form 10-Q, or, if that is impracticable, by other means reasonably calculated to inform our stockholders of such change and the new deadlines.
148
HOUSEHOLDING
To reduce the expense of delivering duplicate proxy materials to stockholders who may have more than one account holding Artio Global
Class A common stock, but sharing the same address, we have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called householding. Under this procedure, certain registered stockholders who have the same address and last name, and who do not
participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials, will receive only one copy of our proxy statement and, as applicable, any additional proxy materials that are delivered until such time as one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they
want to receive separate copies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to have access to and utilize separate proxy voting instructions.
Upon written or oral request, Artio Global will deliver promptly a separate copy of the proxy statement and, as applicable, any additional proxy materials and/or the Annual Report to any stockholder at a
shared address to which Artio Global delivered a single copy of any of these documents. To receive a separate copy of this proxy statement and, if applicable, additional proxy materials and/or the Annual Report, stockholders may write or call Artio
Global at the following address and telephone number:
Artio Global Investors Inc.
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn.: Investor Relations (212) 297-3600
If you are a registered stockholder
and would like to have separate copies of proxy materials mailed to you in the future, you must submit a request to opt out of householding in writing to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New
York 11717 or call Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. at 1-800-542-1061, and we will cease householding all such documents within 30 days. If you are a beneficial stockholder, information regarding householding of proxy materials should have been
forwarded to you by your bank or broker. Registered stockholders are those stockholders who maintain shares under their own names. Beneficial stockholders are those stockholders who have their shares deposited with a bank or brokerage firm.
If you are a stockholder that shares an address with other stockholders and you wish to receive only one copy of proxy
materials, but are receiving multiple copies of proxy materials, please contact our Investor Relations department at
ir@artioglobal.com
.
149
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we
file at the SECs public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the
public at the SECs website at
www.sec.gov
. You may also obtain free copies of the documents Artio Global files with the SEC by going to the Investor Relations section of our website at
www.ir.artioglobal.com
. Our website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. The information provided on our website is not part of this proxy statement, and therefore is not incorporated by reference herein.
Statements contained in this proxy statement, or in any document incorporated in this proxy statement by reference regarding
the contents of any contract or other document, are not necessarily complete and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to that contract or other document filed as an exhibit with the SEC.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this proxy statement. This means that we can disclose important information
to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference into this proxy statement is considered a part of this proxy statement, and information that we file later with the SEC, prior to
the closing of the Merger, will automatically update and supersede the previously filed information and be incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.
We incorporate by reference into this proxy statement the documents listed below and any filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
proxy statement and prior to the date of the annual meeting:
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Artio Globals Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 4, 2013; and
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2013 and April 10, 2013.
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Artio Global undertakes to provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of this proxy statement has been delivered, upon written
or oral request and by first class mail or other equally prompt means, a copy of any and all documents incorporated by reference in this proxy statement (other than the exhibits to these documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated
by reference into the information that this proxy statement incorporates). You may obtain documents incorporated by reference by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address and telephone number: Artio Global Investors Inc.,
330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Investor Relations, Telephone: (212) 297-3600.
No persons have
been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this proxy statement and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Artio Global or
any other person. This proxy statement is dated April 11, 2013. You should not assume that the information contained in this proxy statement is accurate as of any date other than that date, and the mailing of this proxy statement to
stockholders shall not create any implication to the contrary.
YOUR VOTE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Whether or not you
plan to attend the annual meeting, please sign, date and return your proxy card by mail, or submit your proxy over the Internet or by telephone promptly. Giving your proxy now will not affect your right to vote in person if you attend the annual
meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
RACHEL BRAVERMAN
Corporate Secretary
New York, New York
April 11, 2013
150
Annex A
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
among
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC,
GUARDIAN ACQUISITION CORPORATION
and
ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
Dated as of February 13, 2013
A-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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ARTICLE I. THE MERGER
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A-5
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Section 1.1.
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The Merger
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A-5
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Section 1.2.
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Closing
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A-6
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Section 1.3.
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Effective Time
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A-6
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Section 1.4.
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Effects of the Merger
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A-6
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Section 1.5.
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Certificate of Incorporation
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A-6
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Section 1.6.
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Bylaws
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A-6
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Section 1.7.
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Directors; Officers
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A-6
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ARTICLE II. EFFECT OF MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK
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A-6
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Section 2.1.
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Effect on Capital Stock
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A-6
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Section 2.2.
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Treatment of Stock Awards
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A-7
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Section 2.3.
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Dissenting Shares
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A-8
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Section 2.4.
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Payment Fund and Payment Procedures
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A-9
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Section 2.5.
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Lost Certificates
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A-10
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Section 2.6.
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Withholding Rights
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A-10
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Section 2.7.
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Further Assurances
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A-10
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Section 2.8.
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Stock Transfer Books
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A-10
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ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
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A-11
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Section 3.1.
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Corporate Organization
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A-11
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Section 3.2.
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Qualification to Do Business
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A-11
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Section 3.3.
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No Conflict or Violation
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A-11
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Section 3.4.
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Consents and Approvals
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A-11
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Section 3.5.
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Authorization and Validity of Agreement
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A-12
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Section 3.6.
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Capitalization and Related Matters
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A-12
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Section 3.7.
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Subsidiaries
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A-13
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Section 3.8.
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Company SEC Reports; Related Matters
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A-14
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Section 3.9.
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Absence of Certain Changes or Events
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A-15
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Section 3.10.
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Tax Matters
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A-16
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Section 3.11.
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Undisclosed Liabilities; Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
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A-17
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Section 3.12.
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Company Real Property
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A-18
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Section 3.13.
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Funds; Clients; Assets Under Management
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A-18
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Section 3.14.
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Intellectual Property
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A-21
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Section 3.15.
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Licenses and Permits
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A-22
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Section 3.16.
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Compliance with Law
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A-22
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Section 3.17.
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Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
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A-26
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Section 3.18.
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Litigation
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A-26
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Section 3.19.
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Contracts
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A-26
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Section 3.20.
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Employee Plans
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A-28
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Section 3.21.
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Insurance
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A-29
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Section 3.22.
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Affiliate Transactions
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A-30
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Section 3.23.
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Labor Matters
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A-30
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Section 3.24.
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Environmental Matters
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A-30
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Section 3.25.
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No Brokers
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A-31
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Section 3.26.
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State Takeover Statutes
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A-31
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Section 3.27.
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Opinion of Financial Advisor
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A-31
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Section 3.28.
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Information Supplied
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A-31
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Section 3.29.
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Board Approval
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A-31
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Section 3.30.
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Vote Required
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A-31
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Section 3.31.
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No Other Representations or Warranties
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A-31
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A-2
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Page
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ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
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A-32
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Section 4.1.
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Organization
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A-32
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Section 4.2.
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Qualification to Do Business
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A-32
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Section 4.3.
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No Conflict or Violation
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A-32
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Section 4.4.
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Consents and Approvals
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A-32
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Section 4.5.
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Authorization and Validity of Agreement
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A-32
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Section 4.6.
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Information Supplied
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A-33
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Section 4.7.
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Operations of Merger Sub
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A-33
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Section 4.8.
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No Brokers
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A-33
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Section 4.9.
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Sufficiency of Funds
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A-33
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Section 4.10.
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Ownership of Company Stock
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A-33
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Section 4.11.
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No Other Representations or Warranties
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A-33
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ARTICLE V. CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
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A-34
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Section 5.1.
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Conduct of Business Before the Closing Date
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A-34
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Section 5.2.
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Resignations
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A-36
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Section 5.3.
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Rule 16b-3
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A-36
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Section 5.4.
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Certain Notices
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A-37
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ARTICLE VI. CERTAIN COVENANTS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
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A-37
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Section 6.1.
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Employee Benefits
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A-37
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Section 6.2.
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Indemnification Continuation
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A-38
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Section 6.3.
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Certain Notices
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A-39
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ARTICLE VII. ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
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A-40
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Section 7.1.
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Preparation of Proxy Statement; Company Stockholders Meeting
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A-40
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Section 7.2.
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Investment Advisory Arrangement Consents
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A-40
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Section 7.3.
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Public Funds Proxy Statements; Fund Registration Statements
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A-41
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Section 7.4.
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Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act
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A-42
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Section 7.5.
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Access to Information
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A-42
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Section 7.6.
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Reasonable Best Efforts
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A-43
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Section 7.7.
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Acquisition Proposals
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A-44
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Section 7.8.
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Stockholder Litigation
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A-46
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Section 7.9.
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Public Announcements
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A-46
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Section 7.10.
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Takeover Statutes
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A-46
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Section 7.11.
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Stock Exchange Delisting
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A-46
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Section 7.12.
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CFTC Notices
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A-46
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ARTICLE VIII. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
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A-47
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Section 8.1.
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Conditions to Each Partys Obligation to Effect the Merger
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A-47
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Section 8.2.
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Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub
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A-47
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Section 8.3.
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Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company
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A-48
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ARTICLE IX. TERMINATION
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A-48
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Section 9.1.
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Termination
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A-48
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Section 9.2.
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Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination
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A-50
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Section 9.3.
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Amendment
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A-51
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Section 9.4.
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Extension; Waiver
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A-51
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ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS
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A-51
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Section 10.1.
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Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements
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A-51
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Section 10.2.
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Successors and Assigns
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A-52
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Section 10.3.
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Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
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A-52
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A-3
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Page
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Section 10.4.
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Expenses
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A-53
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Section 10.5.
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Severability; Construction
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A-53
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Section 10.6.
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Notices
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A-54
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Section 10.7.
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Entire Agreement
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A-54
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Section 10.8.
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Parties in Interest
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A-54
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Section 10.9.
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Specific Performance
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A-55
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Section 10.10.
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Disclosure Letter
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A-55
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Section 10.11.
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Section and Paragraph Headings
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A-55
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Section 10.12.
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Counterparts
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A-55
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Section 10.13.
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Definitions
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A-55
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A-4
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of February 13, 2013 (as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with its
terms, this
Agreement
), among Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, a public limited company organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom (
Parent
), Guardian Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and an indirect wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent (
Merger Sub
), and Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company
). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings set forth in Section 10.13 hereof.
W
I
T
N
E
S
S
E
T
H
:
WHEREAS, the parties intend that Merger Sub be merged with and into the Company, with the Company
surviving that merger on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein (the
Merger
);
WHEREAS, in
the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, each share of the Companys class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the
Common Stock
), will be converted into the right to receive the
Merger Consideration;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (upon the unanimous recommendation of its strategic
review committee (the
Special Committee
)) has unanimously (i) determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and declared it advisable, to enter into this Agreement with Parent and Merger
Sub, (ii) approved the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger, and (iii) resolved to recommend adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders
of the Company;
WHEREAS, as a condition to Parent entering into this Agreement and incurring the obligations set forth herein,
concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (i) Parent is entering into Voting Agreements with certain stockholders of the Company (each, a
Voting Agreement
and together, the
Voting
Agreements
) pursuant to which, among other things, each of those stockholders has agreed, subject to the terms thereof, to vote all shares of the Common Stock owned by such stockholder in accordance with the terms of such Voting Agreement,
and (ii) Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (
U.S. Parent
), the Company and the other parties thereto have entered into the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement which,
effective as of the Closing, amends and restates the existing Tax Receivable Agreement among the Company and such other parties in its entirety to read as set forth therein;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Parent has unanimously approved this Agreement and declared it advisable for Parent to enter into this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Merger Sub has unanimously approved this Agreement and declared it advisable for Merger Sub to enter
into this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Parent, Merger Sub and the Company desire to make certain representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and also to prescribe various conditions to the transactions contemplated hereby.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto
agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
THE MERGER
Section 1.1.
The
Merger
. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, at the Effective Time, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company and the separate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease, and the Company, as the surviving entity
in the Merger (the
Surviving Company
), shall, by virtue of the Merger, continue its existence under the laws of the State of Delaware.
A-5
Section 1.2.
Closing
. Unless this Agreement shall
have been terminated pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.1, the closing of the Merger (the
Closing
) will take place at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver (subject to
applicable Law) of the conditions to Closing set forth in Article VIII (excluding conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied until the Closing Date, but subject to the satisfaction or, where permitted, waiver of those conditions as of
the Closing), unless another time or date is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto (the actual date of the Closing, the
Closing Date
). The Closing shall be held at the offices of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787
Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019, unless another place is agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.
Section 1.3.
Effective Time
. Upon the Closing, the parties shall file with the Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware a certificate of merger (the
Certificate of Merger
). The Merger shall become effective at such time as the Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or
at such subsequent time as Parent and the Company shall agree and as shall be specified in the Certificate of Merger (the date and time the Merger becomes effective is referred to herein as the
Effective Time
).
Section 1.4.
Effects of the Merger
. The Merger shall have the effects set forth in the DGCL.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time, all the property, rights, privileges, powers, and franchises of the Company and Merger Sub shall vest in the Surviving Company, and all debts, liabilities
and duties of the Company and Merger Sub shall become the debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving Company.
Section 1.5.
Certificate of Incorporation
. The certificate of incorporation of the Company will
be amended in the Merger to read in its entirety as set forth on
Exhibit A
hereto, and thereafter may be amended as provided therein or by law, subject to Section 6.2.
Section 1.6.
Bylaws
.
The bylaws of Merger Sub as in effect at the Effective Time
shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Company, and thereafter may be amended as provided therein or by law, except that references to Merger Subs name shall be replaced at the Effective Time with references to Artio Global Investors Inc.,
subject to Section 6.2.
Section 1.7.
Directors; Officers
.
The
directors of Merger Sub immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Company and the officers of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Company, in each case,
until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the DGCL and the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Surviving Company.
ARTICLE II.
EFFECT OF MERGER ON CAPITAL STOCK
Section 2.1.
Effect on Capital Stock
.
At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company or the holder of any capital stock of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company:
(a)
Cancellation of Certain Common Stock
. Each share of Common Stock that is owned by Parent, Merger Sub or the Company (as treasury stock or otherwise) or any of their respective direct or
indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries (other than shares held on behalf of third parties) will automatically be cancelled and retired and will cease to exist, and no consideration will be delivered in exchange therefor.
(b)
Conversion of Common Stock
. Each share of Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
(other than (i) shares to be cancelled and retired in accordance with Section 2.1(a), and (ii) Dissenting Shares (each, an
Excluded Share
and collectively, the
Excluded Shares
)) will automatically
be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest (the
Merger Consideration
), payable upon surrender of such shares in the manner provided in Section 2.4.
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(c)
Cancellation of Common Stock
. All shares of Common Stock shall cease to be
outstanding and shall be cancelled and retired and shall cease to exist, and, in the case of book-entry shares (
Book-Entry Shares
), the names of the former registered holders shall be removed from the registry of holders of such
shares, and, subject to Sections 2.1(a) and 2.3, each holder of Book-Entry Shares and each holder of a certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented any such shares of Common Stock (each, a
Certificate
)
shall thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such shares of Common Stock, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration in accordance with Section 2.4.
(d)
Conversion of Merger Sub Capital Stock
. Each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will
automatically be converted into one share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Company.
(e)
Adjustments to Prevent Dilution
. If prior to the Effective Time, the Company should split, combine or otherwise reclassify the Common Stock, or pay a stock dividend or other stock distribution in Common Stock or otherwise change the Common
Stock into any other securities, or make any other such stock dividend or distribution in capital stock of the Company in respect of the Common Stock, then any number or amount contained herein which is based upon the price or the number of shares
of Common Stock will be appropriately adjusted to reflect such split, combination, dividend or other distribution or change;
provided
that nothing herein shall be construed to permit the Company to take any action with respect to its
securities that is prohibited or not expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
Section 2.2.
Treatment of Stock Awards
(a) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
By virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company or any holder of any outstanding Company Equity Award or share of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Company
Stock Plan:
(i) Immediately prior to the Effective Time, all transfer restrictions imposed on any outstanding
shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Company Stock Plan (collectively, the
Restricted Stock
) shall lapse. At the Effective Time, the Restricted Stock shall be treated in a manner consistent with Section 2.1(b)
hereof.
(ii) Except as provided in Section 2.2(a)(iii) or (iv), at the Effective Time, any
restricted stock units issued pursuant to the Company Stock Plan (each, a
Restricted Stock Unit
) that are outstanding as of the Effective Time shall be cancelled, and (A) the holder of each such Restricted Stock
Unit shall become entitled to receive, in full satisfaction of the rights of such holder thereto, an amount in cash equal to the Merger Consideration multiplied by the sum of (x) for each Time-Based RSU award, the number of shares of Common
Stock represented by such Time-Based RSU award and (y) for each Performance-Based RSU award, the number of shares of Common Stock the holder would have been entitled to receive upon a termination resulting from a change in control under the
terms of the applicable award agreement, and (B) all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the Effective Time with respect to such Restricted Stock Units, shall vest and be paid to the holder of the associated Restricted
Stock Unit.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.2(a)(ii) or (iv) to the contrary, each
Restricted Stock Unit award held by any individual identified on Section 2.2(a)(iii) of the Disclosure Letter (each, a
Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee
) shall, at the Effective Time, be converted automatically into an award
with respect to Parent Shares as provided in this Section 2.2(a)(iii), and Parent shall assume all obligations with respect to such Restricted Stock Unit award, subject to the terms of the Company Stock Plan and the applicable Restricted Stock
Unit award agreement, including with respect to vesting and settlement. From and after the Effective Time, the number of Parent Shares subject to each outstanding Restricted Stock Unit award held by a Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee shall be equal
to the product of (A) the number of shares of Common Stock that related to such Restricted Stock Unit award immediately prior to the Effective Time and (B) the Exchange Ratio;
provided
that any fractional Parent Share resulting from
the foregoing conversion shall be rounded up to the nearest whole Parent Share. For purposes of this Section 2.2(a)(iii),
Exchange Ratio
means the quotient, rounded to the nearest 1/100th, determined by dividing the Merger
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Consideration by the Average Parent Share Price. The
Average Parent Share Price
shall mean the volume weighted average price per Parent Share on the London Stock Exchange (as
reported by Bloomberg L.P. or, if not reported thereby, by another authoritative source mutually agreed by the parties) for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding, and including the trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date
(calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of one cent), converted from pounds sterling into U.S. dollars at the rate for conversion of pounds sterling into U.S. dollars displayed (as reported by Bloomberg L.P. or, if not reported thereby, by another
authoritative source mutually agreed by the parties) at (or if not available, most recently prior to) 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the trading day immediately prior to the Closing Date. The identity of the Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employees may
be updated by Parent at any time until five Business Days prior to the Effective Time.
(iv) Notwithstanding
anything in Section 2.2(a)(ii) or (iii) to the contrary, from and after the Effective Time, Parent shall assume all obligations with respect to each Restricted Stock Unit award held by any individual identified on Section 2.2(a)(iv)
of the Disclosure Letter (each, a
Section 2.2(a)(iv) Employee
);
provided
, that each such Restricted Stock Unit award shall, from and after the Effective Time, be notionally invested in mutual funds managed by the Company,
and allocated among such funds as may be determined by Parent, with a value as of the Effective Time equal to the sum of (A) the Merger Consideration multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such Restricted Stock Unit
Award, and (B) all dividends and interest, if any, accrued but unpaid as of the Effective Time with respect to such Restricted Stock Units (each, a
Rollover Award
). Each Rollover Award will remain subject to the terms of the
Company Stock Plan and the applicable Restricted Stock Unit award agreement (other than as set forth in this Section 2.2(a)(iv)), including with respect to vesting and settlement.
(v) Any amounts under this Section 2.2 shall be payable in accordance with, and to the extent necessary to avoid the
imposition of any penalty or other taxes under, Section 409A of the Code.
(b)
Company Actions
. Prior to the
Effective Time, the Company will adopt such resolutions and take such other actions as are reasonably necessary in order to effectuate the actions contemplated by this Section 2.2, without paying any consideration or incurring any debts or
obligations on behalf of the Company or the Surviving Company (except where specifically provided by this Section 2.2),
provided
that such resolutions and actions shall expressly be conditioned upon the consummation of the Merger and the
other transactions contemplated hereby and shall be of no effect if this Agreement is terminated.
(c)
Parent Actions
.
With respect to the Restricted Stock Unit awards to be rolled over in accordance with Section 2.2(a)(iii) (collectively, the
Rollover RSUs
), Parent shall (i) take all corporate action necessary to reserve for issuance a
sufficient number of Parent Shares for delivery upon settlement of the Rollover RSUs, (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to grant Parent Shares pursuant to a registration statement, or an exemption from registration, under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and (iii) maintain a mechanism that enables each Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee to monetize in U.S. Dollars and without transaction fees Parent Shares delivered upon settlement of the Rollover RSUs held by
such Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include the right of each Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee to elect to direct Parent Shares to be sold immediately upon the vesting of the Rollover RSUs in accordance
with Parents equity and equity-based plans and agreements in place as of the date hereof). With respect to the Restricted Stock Unit awards to be rolled over in accordance with Section 2.2(a)(iii) and (iv), Parent shall, as soon as
reasonably practicable following the Effective Time, deliver to each Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee and Section 2.2(a)(iv) Employee written notice describing the effect of the Merger on such Restricted Stock Unit awards.
Section 2.3.
Dissenting Shares
.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, shares of Common Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time and that are owned by stockholders that have properly perfected their rights of appraisal within the meaning of Section 262 of the DGCL
(the
Dissenting Shares
) shall not be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration, unless and until such stockholders shall have failed to perfect any available right of appraisal under applicable law, but,
instead, the holders thereof shall be entitled to payment of the appraised value of such Dissenting Shares in accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL. If any such holder shall have failed to perfect or shall have
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effectively withdrawn or lost such right of appraisal, the shares of Common Stock held by such stockholder shall not be deemed Dissenting Shares for purposes of this Agreement and shall thereupon
be deemed to have been converted into the Merger Consideration at the Effective Time in accordance with Section 2.1(b). The Company shall give Parent (a) prompt written notice of any demands for appraisal filed pursuant to Section 262
of the DGCL received by Company, withdrawals of such demands and any other instruments served or delivered in connection with such demands pursuant to the DGCL and received by Company, and (b) the opportunity to participate in all negotiations
and proceedings with respect to demands made pursuant to Section 262 of the DGCL. The Company shall not, except with the prior written consent of Parent, (i) make any payment with respect to any such demand, (ii) offer to settle or
settle any such demand, or (iii) waive any failure to timely deliver a written demand for appraisal or timely take any other action to perfect appraisal rights in accordance with the DGCL.
Section 2.4.
Payment Fund and Payment Procedures
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, for the benefit of the holders of the shares of Common Stock (other than Excluded Shares), Parent will
designate, or cause to be designated, a bank or trust company that is reasonably acceptable to the Company (the
Paying Agent
) to act as agent for the payment of the Merger Consideration in respect of Certificates upon surrender of
such Certificates (or effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) and Book-Entry Shares in accordance with this Article II from time to time after the Effective Time. Promptly after (but, in any event, within one Business Day following) the
Effective Time, Parent or Merger Sub will deposit, or cause to be deposited, with the Paying Agent cash in an amount necessary for the payment of the Merger Consideration pursuant to Section 2.1(b) in its entirety so that such payment may be
made upon surrender of such Certificates or Book-Entry Shares (such cash being herein referred to as the
Payment Fund
). Parent will enter into a paying agent agreement on customary terms, which terms shall be in form and substance
reasonably acceptable to the Company prior to the Effective Time.
(b) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time,
Parent will instruct the Paying Agent to mail to each holder of record of shares of Common Stock (other than Excluded Shares) a letter of transmittal in customary form as reasonably agreed by the parties specifying that delivery will be effected,
and risk of loss and title to Certificates and Book-Entry Shares will pass, only upon proper delivery of Certificates (or customary effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) or Book-Entry Shares, as the case may be, to the Paying Agent and
instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the Certificates (or customary effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) and Book-Entry Shares in exchange for the Merger Consideration. Upon the proper surrender of a Certificate (or customary
effective affidavit of loss in lieu thereof) or Book-Entry Share to the Paying Agent, together with a properly completed letter of transmittal, duly executed, and such other documents as may reasonably be requested by the Paying Agent, the holder of
such Certificate or Book-Entry Share will be entitled to receive in exchange therefor cash in the amount (after giving effect to any required tax withholdings) that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this Article II, and the
Certificate or Book-Entry Share so surrendered will forthwith be cancelled. Until such Certificates (or customary effective affidavits of loss in lieu thereof) or Book-Entry Shares, as the case may be, are so properly delivered, each such
Certificate or Book-Entry Share, as the case may be, shall represent after the Effective Time for all purposes only the right to receive the Merger Consideration payable in respect thereof, subject to the terms set forth in Section 2.3. No
interest will be paid or accrued on any amount payable upon due surrender of the Certificates or Book-Entry Shares. In the event of a transfer of ownership of the shares of Common Stock that is not registered in the transfer records of the Company,
cash to be paid upon due surrender of the Certificate or Book-Entry Share may be paid to such a transferee if the Certificate or Book-Entry Share formerly representing such shares of Common Stock is presented to the Paying Agent, accompanied by all
documents required to evidence and effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer Taxes have been paid or are not applicable.
(c) Any funds included in the Payment Fund may be invested by the Paying Agent, as directed by Parent;
provided
that such investments shall be in obligations of or guaranteed by the United States
of America and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America or in commercial paper obligations rated A-1 or P-1 or better by Moodys Investors Services, Inc. or Standard & Poors Corporation, respectively.
Any interest and other income resulting from such investments shall promptly be paid to Parent.
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(d) Any portion of the Payment Fund that remains undistributed to the holders of the
Certificates or Book-Entry Shares twelve (12) months after the Effective Time will be delivered to the Surviving Company, on demand, and any holder of a Certificate or Book-Entry Share who has not theretofore complied with this Article II
will thereafter look only to the Surviving Company for payment of his or her claims for Merger Consideration. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of Parent, Merger Sub, the Company, the Surviving Company, the Paying Agent or any other Person will be
liable to any Person in respect of any Merger Consideration from the Payment Fund properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law. Any amounts remaining unclaimed by the holders of shares
of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time on the date that is five (5) years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior to such date when the amounts would otherwise escheat to or become the property of any
Governmental Entity) shall become, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the property of Parent free and clear of any claims or interest of any Person previously entitled thereof.
(e) Any portion of the Merger Consideration made available to the Paying Agent in respect of any Dissenting Shares shall be returned to
Parent upon demand.
(f) If administratively practicable, Parent may instead cause the Company to make any payment with respect
to the Company Equity Awards, other than by the Paying Agent;
provided
that Parent makes such request at a reasonable time prior to the Effective Time.
Section 2.5.
Lost Certificates
.
If any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if required by the Surviving Company, the posting by such Person of a bond in such reasonable amount as the Surviving Company may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be
made against it with respect to such Certificate or other documentation (including an indemnity in customary form) reasonably requested by Parent, the Paying Agent will deliver in exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate the Merger
Consideration with respect to the shares of Common Stock formerly represented thereby.
Section 2.6.
Withholding Rights
.
Each of the Surviving Company and Parent shall
be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of Common Stock or any holder of a Company Equity Award such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold with respect
to the making of such payment under the Code and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld by the Surviving Company or Parent, as the case may
be, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the holder of the shares of Common Stock or the holder of a Company Equity Award in respect of which such deduction and withholding was made by the
Surviving Company or Parent, as the case may be.
Section 2.7.
Further
Assurances
.
At and after the Effective Time, the officers and directors of the Surviving Company will be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any deeds, bills of sale,
assignments or assurances and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company or Merger Sub, any other actions and things to vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in the Surviving Company any and all right, title and interest in,
to and under any of the rights, properties or assets acquired or to be acquired by the Surviving Company as a result of, or in connection with, the Merger.
Section 2.8.
Stock Transfer Books
.
At the close of business, New York time, on the day the Effective Time occurs, the stock transfer books of the
Company shall be closed and there shall be no further registration of transfers of shares of Common Stock thereafter on the records of the Company. From and after the Effective Time, the holders of Certificates or Book-Entry Shares shall cease to
have any rights with respect to such shares of Common Stock formerly represented thereby, except as otherwise provided herein or by Law.
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ARTICLE III.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Except as set forth in (a) the corresponding sections or subsections of the Disclosure Letter (the
Disclosure Letter
), delivered by the Company to Parent and Merger Sub
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (it being understood that any matter disclosed in any section of the Disclosure Letter will be deemed to be disclosed in any other section of the Disclosure Letter to the extent that it is reasonably
apparent on the face of such disclosure that such disclosure is applicable to such other section), or (b) the Company SEC Reports filed prior to the date hereof (excluding, in each case, any disclosures set forth in any risk factor section, in
any section relating to forward looking statements, and any other disclosures included therein to the extent that they are cautionary, predictive or forward-looking in nature), the Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as
follows:
Section 3.1.
Corporate Organization
. The Company and each of its
Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has all requisite corporate, limited liability company, limited partnership or other entity power (as the case may be)
to own its properties and assets and to conduct its business as currently conducted, except where the failure to be in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Copies of the Company
Organizational Documents and the organizational documents of each Subsidiary of the Company, in each case, with all amendments thereto to the date hereof, have been made available to Parent or its representatives, and such copies are accurate and
complete as of the date hereof.
Section 3.2.
Qualification to Do
Business
.
The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity (as the case may be) and is in good standing in every
jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.3.
No Conflict or
Violation
.
The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement (including the consummation of the Merger) and the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement do not and will not, directly or indirectly,
(i) violate or conflict with any provision of any Company Organizational Document or the organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) violate any provision of Law, or any Order of any Governmental Entity applicable to the
Company or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their
respective businesses, assets or properties, (iii) violate or result in a breach of or
constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any (x) Material Contract or (y) any other Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and makes or receives in excess of $150,000 in payments on
an annual basis or any Licenses and Permits, or result in or give to others any rights of cancellation, modification, amendment, acceleration, revocation or suspension of any of such Contracts or any of the Licenses and Permits or any rights or
obligations under such Contracts or Licenses and Permits, or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than any Permitted Lien) upon any of the assets, properties or rights of either of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
except, in the case of each of clauses (ii) through (iv) above, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.4.
Consents and Approvals
.
No consent, waiver, authorization or approval of any Governmental Entity, Self-Regulatory Organization or other
Person, and no declaration or notice to or filing or registration with any Governmental Entity, Self-Regulatory Organization or other Person, is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Restated Tax Receivable
Agreement by the Company or the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder (including the consummation of the Merger) and thereunder, except for: (a) the filing of the Notification and Report Form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended (the
HSR Act
); (b) applicable requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the
Exchange
Act
); (c) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware;
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(d) the filing with the SEC of a proxy statement (together with all customary proxy or other materials delivered in connection therewith, the
Proxy Statement
) relating to
the special meeting of the stockholders of the Company to be held to consider the adoption of this Agreement (the
Company Stockholders Meeting
); (e) the filing with the SEC of proxy statements and related solicitation
materials relating to obtaining Public Fund Consents; (f) the filings or notices required or contemplated under the Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act; (g) the filings or notices required by, and any approvals required under the
rules and regulations of, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (
FINRA
) or any other self-regulatory organization, including the NYSE and the National Futures Association (the
NFA
) (each, a
Self-Regulatory Organization
); and (h) such consents, waivers, authorizations, approvals, declarations, notices, filings or registrations, which if not obtained or made would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a
Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.5.
Authorization and Validity of
Agreement
.
The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement and to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby. Assuming the accuracy of Parents and Merger Subs representations and warranties in Section 4.10, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement by the Company
and the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and thereunder and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company (in the case of
this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee) and all other necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, other than the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders
of the Company, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of the Company (other than the adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company) are necessary to authorize this Agreement and the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due execution and delivery by Parent and Merger Sub, shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (a) the effect of bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors
rights generally, (b) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (c) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Section 3.6.
Capitalization and Related Matters
.
(a) The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 500,000,000 shares of Common Stock, 50,000,000 shares of Company Class B
Common Stock, 210,000,000 shares of Company Class C Common Stock, and 100,000,000 shares of Company Preferred Stock. (i) As of February 13, 2013, 60,508,304 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding, and there were no shares of
Company Class B Common Stock, Company Class C Common Stock, or Company Preferred Stock issued or outstanding, (ii) as of February 13, 2013, 179,794 shares of Common Stock were issuable upon or otherwise deliverable under the Companys
2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the
Company Stock Plan
) in connection with the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock, (iii) as of February 13, 2013, 5,486,808 shares of Common Stock were issuable upon or otherwise
deliverable under the Company Stock Plan in connection with the vesting of Restricted Stock Units, and (iv) there are no Company Equity Awards outstanding that have been granted under an arrangement, Employee Benefit Plan or Contract other than
the Company Stock Plan. Section 3.6(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth as of the close of business on December 31, 2012 a list of each outstanding Company Equity Award granted under the Company Stock Plan and (A) the name of the
holder of such Company Equity Award, (B) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Company Equity Award, (C) the date on which such Company Equity Award was granted or issued, (D) the applicable vesting schedule
and the extent to which such Company Equity Award is vested as of such date and (E) if such Company Equity Award has performance-vesting criteria. As promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company will provide or make
available to Parent a list as of the close of business on February 13, 2013 setting forth the items specified by clauses (A)(E) of the preceding sentence.
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(b) The outstanding shares of Common Stock (i) have been duly authorized and validly
issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and (ii) were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities Laws. Except for the Common Stock issued and outstanding as of February 13, 2013 as set forth in
Section 3.6(a) (and any shares of Common Stock issued following such date and prior to the date hereof upon the settlement of Company Equity Awards), Company Equity Awards listed on Section 3.6(a) of the Disclosure Letter, or shares of
Common Stock, no shares of capital stock of the Company are outstanding and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof has outstanding (A) any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any shares of capital stock of the Company,
(B) any rights to subscribe for or to purchase or any options for the purchase of, or any agreements providing for the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls, commitments or claims of any other character relating to the issuance
of, any capital stock of the Company or any stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for any such capital stock, or (C) any stock appreciation rights, performance shares, contingent value rights, phantom stock or similar
securities or rights that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the value or price of, any capital stock of the Company (the items in clauses (A), (B) and (C) immediately above, together with the
capital stock of the Company, being referred to herein collectively as the
Company Securities
). Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof is subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise
acquire or retire, or to register under the Securities Act, any Company Securities. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary thereof has outstanding any bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote (or are
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) with the stockholders of the Company or any such Subsidiary on any matter.
Section 3.7.
Subsidiaries
.
(a)
Section 3.7(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete and correct list, as of the date hereof, of (i) each Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) its place and form of organization and (iii) the owner(s) of its capital stock,
membership interests or other ownership interests, as applicable, to the extent such owner is not the Company or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company. Except as set forth on Section 3.7(a) of the Disclosure Letter, the Company does
not, directly or indirectly, own or hold any capital stock, membership interests, other ownership interests or investments, or any right to acquire any of the foregoing, in any other Person other than investments that constitute cash or cash
equivalents.
(b) All of the outstanding shares of capital stock, or membership interests or other ownership interests, of each
Subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, (i) are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and (ii) were issued in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities Laws. The Company or a Subsidiary thereof has, as of the
date hereof and shall have on the Closing Date, valid and marketable title to all of the shares of capital stock of, or membership interests or other ownership interests in, each Subsidiary of the Company, free and clear of any Liens other than
Liens arising under applicable federal and state securities Laws or, in the case of any non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, the restrictions contained in the organizational documents of such Subsidiary as in effect on the date hereof. Neither the Company
nor any Subsidiary thereof has outstanding (A) any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of, or membership interests or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company, (B) any rights to subscribe
for or to purchase or any options for the purchase of, or any agreements providing for the issuance (contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls, commitments or claims of any other character relating to the issuance of, any capital stock of, or
membership interests or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company, or any stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock of, or membership interests or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the
Company, or (C) any stock appreciation rights, performance shares, contingent value rights, phantom stock or similar securities or rights that are derivative of, or provide economic benefits based, directly or indirectly, on the
value or price of, any capital stock of, or membership interests or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company (the items in clauses (A), (B) and (C) immediately above, together with any capital stock of, or membership
interests or other ownership interests in, any Subsidiary of the Company, being referred to herein collectively as the
Company Subsidiary Securities
). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any obligation
(contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire, or to register under the Securities Act, any Company Subsidiary Securities.
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Section 3.8.
Company SEC Reports; Related
Matters
.
(a) The Company has timely filed or furnished, as applicable, each report, proxy statement,
registration statement, prospectus, schedule, form, statement, certification and other document (including exhibits and all other information incorporated by reference therein) required to be filed or furnished by it with the SEC since
January 1, 2010 (the
Company SEC Reports
). As of their respective dates, after giving effect to any amendments or supplements thereto filed prior to the date hereof, the Company SEC Reports (including any schedules or
exhibits included or incorporated by reference therein) (i) complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Securities Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and (ii) did not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. As of the date hereof, there
are no outstanding or unresolved comments in comment letters received from the SEC staff with respect to the Company SEC Reports. None of the Company SEC Reports is the subject of an ongoing SEC review. There are no SEC inquiries or investigations,
other governmental inquiries or investigations or internal investigations pending or threatened, in each case regarding any accounting practice of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof.
(b) The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (including, in each case, the
notes, if any, thereto) included in the Company SEC Reports (i) complied as to form in all material respects with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, (ii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated therein or in the notes thereto and except with respect to unaudited statements as permitted by Form 10-Q of the SEC), and (iii) fairly presented (subject, in the
case of the unaudited interim financial statements included therein, to normal and recurring year-end adjustments as permitted by GAAP and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC) in all material respects the consolidated financial position
of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the respective periods then ended.
(c) The Company and its Subsidiaries have implemented, and maintain and enforce, (i) disclosure controls and procedures to ensure
that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries is made known to the management of the Company by others within those entities, and (ii) a system of internal control over financial reporting sufficient to
provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Neither the Company nor its independent accountants has identified or been made
aware of (A) any significant deficiency or material weakness in the system of internal controls over financial reporting utilized by the Company, or (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves executive officers or other
employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries who have a material role in the preparation of financial statements or the internal controls over financial reporting utilized by the Company, in each case, in connection with the preparation of the
audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 or any audited financial statements filed with the SEC in any Company SEC Report filed after the date hereof. No attorney representing the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries, whether or not employed by the Company or any such Subsidiary, has reported to the Companys chief legal counsel or chief executive officer evidence of a material violation of securities Laws, breach of fiduciary
duty or similar violation by the Company, any such Subsidiary or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents pursuant to Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(d) The Company and each of its officers are in compliance in all material respects with (i) the applicable provisions of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related rules and regulations promulgated under such act or the Exchange Act (the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
), and (ii) the applicable listing and corporate governance rules and regulations of the
NYSE. The Company has previously disclosed or made available to Parent the information required to be disclosed by the Company and certain of its officers to the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof pursuant to the
certification requirements contained in Form 10-K and Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act. Since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates has made, arranged or modified (in any material way) personal loans
to any executive officer or director of the Company.
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Section 3.9.
Absence of Certain Changes or Events.
(a) Since December 31, 2011 through the date of this Agreement, there has not been: (i) any Company Material Adverse
Effect; (ii) any material loss, damage, destruction or other casualty to any material assets or properties of either of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (whether or not subject to insurance); (iii) any material change in any method
of accounting or accounting practice of either of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iv) any amendments or changes in the Company Organizational Documents or any material amendments or changes in the organizational documents of any
material Subsidiary of the Company; or (v) any loss of the employment, services or benefits of the chief executive officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, members of the senior management of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
portfolio managers or senior research analysts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Since December 31, 2011
through the date of this Agreement, each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has operated in the ordinary course of its business and consistent with past practice in all material respects and has not:
(i) declared, set aside or paid any dividend on, or other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) in respect of,
any Company Securities or any Company Subsidiary Securities, or purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any Company Securities or any Company Subsidiary Securities, except for (A) the declaration, setting aside and payment of cash dividends
by any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company to its parent, (B) the declaration, setting aside and payment by the Company prior to December 31, 2012 of its quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share, and (C) the purchase, redemption
or other acquisition of any Company Securities from any holder of a Company Equity Award in connection with the termination of such persons service with the Company or a Subsidiary thereof or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Company
Stock Plan;
(ii) split, combined, reclassified or taken any similar action in respect of any Company
Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities;
(iii)(A) granted to any executive officer, portfolio manager,
senior research analyst or investment professional or other key employee or consultant of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof any material increase in compensation or benefits, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, (B) paid any bonus (other than pursuant to a contractual obligation and in accordance therewith or in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (C) granted any such person or other employee or consultant of
the Company or any Subsidiary thereof any increase in severance or termination pay or entered into, or modified or amended, any employment, severance, change in control, termination or indemnification agreement or any agreement the benefits of which
are contingent or the terms of which are materially altered upon the occurrence of a transaction involving the Company of the nature contemplated hereby, in each case, with any executive officer, portfolio manager, senior research analyst or
investment professional or other key employee or consultant of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof (or, in the case of any severance, change in control, termination, any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof), or (D) established,
adopted, entered into or amended, materially increased any benefits available or paid, or accelerated the payment of any amounts or benefits under, any Employee Benefit Plan, except to the extent required by applicable Law or the terms of such
Employee Benefit Plan;
(iv)(A) sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of any material properties or material
assets (whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible), or (B) mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) any of its material assets, properties or rights;
(v)(A) changed any of its material accounting methods, principles or practices, except as required by concurrent changes
in GAAP or by the SEC, or (B) changed its material Tax elections, or entered into any material closing agreement or settled or compromised any material claim or assessment, in each case in respect of material Taxes, or consented to any
extension or waiver of any limitation period with respect to any claim or assessment for material Taxes; or
(vi) entered into any Contract or committed to take any action described in this Section 3.9(b).
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Section 3.10.
Tax Matters
.
(a)(i) The Company, each of its Subsidiaries and each of the Funds have filed when due all material Tax Returns required by applicable Law
to be filed with respect to the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and each of the Funds; (ii) all such Tax Returns were true, correct and complete in all material respects as of the time of such filing; and (iii) all material Taxes owed by
the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and each of the Funds, if required to have been paid, have been paid, and the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and each of the Funds have made adequate provision (in addition to any reserve for deferred Taxes
established to reflect timing difference between book and Tax income) for any Taxes that are not yet due and payable.
(b)(i)
There is no action, suit, proceeding, investigation, audit or claim now pending with respect to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds in respect of any Tax, nor has any material claim for additional Tax been asserted by any taxing
authority; (ii) there is no deficiency, refund litigation, proposed adjustment or matter in controversy with respect to any Taxes due and owing by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds; (iii) each deficiency resulting from any
completed audit or examination relating to Taxes by any taxing authority has been timely paid; and (iv) no issues relating to Taxes were raised by the relevant taxing authority in any completed audit or examination that would reasonably be
expected to recur in a later taxable period.
(c) Since January 1, 2006, no claim has been made in writing by any taxing
authority in a jurisdiction where the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds has not filed a Tax Return that it is or may be subject to Tax by such jurisdiction.
(d)(i) There is no outstanding request for any extension of time for the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds to pay any Taxes or file any Tax Returns; (ii) there has been no waiver or
extension of any applicable statute of limitations for the assessment or collection of any Taxes of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds that is currently in force, nor is any request for such waiver or extension currently pending;
(iii) the federal statute of limitations for tax years of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries and the Funds has closed for all years ending prior to December 31, 2009; (iv) none of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds is
a party to or bound by any agreement, whether written or unwritten, providing for the payment of Taxes, payment for Tax losses, entitlements to refunds or similar Tax matters; (v) there is no currently effective agreement or other document
extending, or having the effect of extending, the period of assessment or collection of any Taxes and no power of attorney (other than powers of attorney authorizing employees of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to act on behalf of the Company
or such Subsidiary) with respect to any Taxes has been executed or filed with any taxing authority.
(e) The Company, each of
its Subsidiaries and each of the Funds have withheld and paid all material Taxes required to be withheld in connection with any amounts paid or owing to any employee, creditor, independent contractor or other third party.
(f) The Company has not been a United States real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the Code
during the applicable period specified in Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code.
(g) Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has distributed stock of another Person, or has had its stock distributed by another Person, in a transaction that was purported or intended to be governed in whole or in part by Section 355 or Section 361 of the Code.
(h) There is no Lien, other than a Permitted Lien, affecting any of the assets, properties or rights of the Company, its
Subsidiaries or the Funds that arose in connection with any failure or alleged failure to pay any Tax.
(i) Neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has been a member of an affiliated group (within the meaning of Code § 1504(a)) filing a consolidated federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common parent of which is the Company) or (ii) has
any liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than any of the Company and its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations § 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign Law), as a transferee or successor, by Contract, or
otherwise.
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(j) There are no material deferred intercompany transactions within the meaning of Treasury
Regulations § 1.1502-13(b)(1) with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries would be required to include any item of income or gain in, or exclude any item of deduction or loss from, taxable income for any taxable period (or
portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date.
(k) The Company and its Subsidiaries have not entered into, or permitted to be
entered into, any advance pricing agreement or any closing or other agreement or settlement with respect to Taxes affecting or relating to the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(l) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has a material permanent establishment in a foreign jurisdiction.
(m) The Company has not incurred an ownership change within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.
(n) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction
from, taxable income for any taxable period ending after the Effective Time as a result of (i) an installment sale, as defined in Section 453(b) of the Code, made on or before the Effective Time, (ii) an open transaction entered into
on or before the Effective Time, or (iii) the receipt of a prepaid amount on or before the Effective Time.
(o) Neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has agreed to or is required to make any adjustment under Section 481 of the Code or any comparable provisions of any state, local or foreign Tax Laws, (ii) has Knowledge that any taxing
authority is proposing any such adjustment, or (iii) has an application pending requesting permission for any changes in methods of accounting.
(p) None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of the Funds has ever participated in a Reportable Transaction described in Section 6707A(c)(1) of the Code.
(q) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has properly and in a timely manner documented its transfer pricing methodology in compliance
with Section 482 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and any comparable provisions of any state, local or foreign Tax Laws. No taxing authority has made or proposed any adjustment of Tax items of the Company or its
Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 482 of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or any comparable provisions of any state, local or foreign Tax Laws.
(r) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any action that is not in accordance with past practice that could defer a material liability for the Taxes of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries from any taxable period ending on or before the Effective Time to any taxable period ending after such date, other than those actions taken in the ordinary course of business.
(s) For all taxable years since its inception, each of the Public Funds has elected to be treated as, and has qualified to be classified
as, a regulated investment company taxable under Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Code.
(t) The Private Funds listed on
Section 3.10(t) of the Disclosure Letter have been treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes for all taxable years since their inception and have never been treated as publicly traded partnerships pursuant to section 7704 of
the Code.
(u) The Private Funds listed on Section 3.10(u) of the Disclosure Letter have been treated as corporations for
U.S. federal income tax purposes for all taxable years since their inception.
Section 3.11.
Undisclosed Liabilities; Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
.
(a) There are no liabilities or obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof of any kind whatsoever, whether known or unknown,
accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise other than (i) liabilities or obligations disclosed and provided for in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company or referred to in the notes thereto contained in the Form
10-Q filed by the Company prior to the date hereof with the
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SEC for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012, (ii) liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since September 30,
2012, (iii) liabilities or obligations incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or (iv) other liabilities or obligations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(b) As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or has any commitment to become a
party to, any material arrangement of the type described in Section 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
Section 3.12.
Company Real Property
.
(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries own any real property. Other than the Company Real Property, no real property is
material to the operations of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(b) The Company has provided
or made available to Parent copies of all Material Leases as of the date hereof, including all material amendments thereto.
(c) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has good leasehold title to the Company Real Property free and clear of any Liens other than Permitted Liens and Liens arising pursuant to the related Material Lease.
(d) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries are party to any Contract (other than a Material Lease) which gives any Person (including any lessor under a Material Lease) any right to terminate or materially alter the terms of a Material Lease, (ii) the Company and its
Subsidiaries enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession of the Company Real Property, and (iii) no option has been exercised under any Material Lease, except options whose exercise has been evidenced by a written document, a true, complete and
accurate copy of which has made available to Parent with the corresponding Material Lease.
(e) Except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company Real Property is subject to any option, lease, sublease, license or other agreement (other than the Material Leases) granting to any Person any right
(i) to the use, occupancy, or enjoyment of the Company Real Property or any portion thereof, or (ii) to obtain title to all or any portion of the Company Real Property.
(f) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) all improvements, systems and
fixtures on the Company Real Property are in good operating condition and repair and generally are adequate and suitable for the present and continued use, operation and maintenance thereof as now used, operated or maintained, and (ii) all
improvements on the Company Real Property constructed by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary were constructed in compliance with applicable Laws affecting such Company Real Property.
Section 3.13.
Funds; Clients; Assets Under Management
.
(a) Section 3.13(a) of the Disclosure Letter lists the name of the only Subsidiary of the Company that is required to be registered
as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act as of the date hereof (such registered Subsidiary, the
Investment Adviser Subsidiary
).
(b) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Company has delivered or made available to Parent a true, correct and complete list of each Client as of the Base Date, including with respect to each
such Client the assets under management and fee rate of such Client as of the Base Date and for each such Client that is a Fund its jurisdiction of organization, jurisdiction in which it is licensed or qualified to or registered to do business, and
whether it is a Public Fund or Private Fund. No material Client has given written notice to the Company or any Subsidiary of its intention to terminate or materially reduce its relationship with the Company or any Subsidiary or to adjust the fee
schedule with respect to any Investment Advisory Arrangement in a manner that would reduce the fee under such Investment Advisory Arrangement.
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(c) Each Public Fund is duly registered with the SEC as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act and has, since January 1, 2010 (or its inception, if later), filed all Public Fund SEC Documents in compliance with the Securities Act, the Investment Company Act and other applicable Law, except as would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect with respect to the Public Fund in question or a Company Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 2010 (or its inception, if later), each Public
Funds (A) prospectus and statement of additional information (including supplements thereto) forming the part of any registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act, (B) annual and
semi-annual shareholder reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 30 of the Investment Company Act and (C) supplemental advertising and marketing materials prepared by or on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company did not
at the time they were filed (if required to be filed), and did not during the period of their authorized use, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were or are made, not misleading.
(d) Each
Fund that is a juridical entity is duly organized, validly existing and, with respect to entities in jurisdictions that recognize the concept of good standing, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and
has the requisite corporate, trust, company or partnership power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as currently conducted, and is qualified to do business in each jurisdiction where it is required to be so qualified
under applicable Law, except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Section 3.13(d) of the Disclosure Letter, each Fund has no Subsidiaries.
(e) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect with respect to the Fund in question or have a
Company Material Adverse Effect, each Fund currently is, and has since January 1, 2010 (or its inception, if later), operated in compliance with (i) applicable Law, (ii) any applicable Order, (iii) its governing documents, and
(iv) its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective employees or directors (in their capacity as such) act as a fiduciary with respect to plan assets
(within the meaning of Title I of ERISA) of any employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) subject to Title I of ERISA or any plan (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code), other
than the Employee Benefit Plans, and no assets of any Fund are considered plan assets (within the meaning of Title I of ERISA). To the extent the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective employees or directors (in
their capacity as such) acts as a fiduciary with respect to plan assets of any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA or plan subject to Section 4975 of the Code (other than Employee
Benefit Plans), each of the Company, its Subsidiaries, and their respective employees and directors (in their capacity as such) has complied, and currently complies, in all material respects, with the requirements of Title I of ERISA and
Section 4975 of the Code with respect to such plan assets.
(f) The shares, units or other interests of each Fund
(i) have been issued and sold in compliance with applicable Law in all material respects, and (ii) are registered or qualified for public offering and sale in each jurisdiction where offers are made to the extent required under applicable
Law or were issued pursuant to a valid exemption from registration under the Securities Act and other applicable Law.
(g) Each
Public Fund has duly adopted written policies and procedures required by Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act, and all such policies and procedures comply in all material respects with applicable Law. Since January 1, 2010, there have
been no Material Compliance Matters, as such term is defined in Rule 38a-1(e)(2) under the Investment Company Act in respect of a Public Fund, other than such violations as have been duly reported to the applicable Public Fund Board
and satisfactorily resolved or are in the process of being remedied and have been disclosed or made available to Parent.
(h)
All payments made with respect to any Public Funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act as open-end management investment companies and relating to the distribution of their shares (other than payments that are not required by
applicable Law to be paid pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan) have been made in compliance in all material respects with any related 12b-1 Plan adopted by such open-end Public Funds, and such payments and the operation of each such 12b-1 Plan comply in all
material respects with Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act and other applicable Law.
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(i) Each existing Investment Advisory Arrangement subject to Section 15 of the
Investment Company Act has been duly approved and, if applicable, continued and is in compliance in all material respects with the Investment Company Act. Each existing Investment Advisory Arrangement is in compliance with the Advisers Act and
applicable Law, and since January 1, 2010 (or its inception, if later), has been performed by the Investment Adviser Subsidiary in accordance with its terms and applicable Law, in each case, in all material respects. Each Client account
has been managed and advised (and the fees and expenses payable thereunder have been calculated and charged) in compliance with the terms of the applicable Investment Advisory Arrangement, its investment guidelines and restrictions, the Investment
Company Act and/or the Advisers Act, as applicable, and applicable Law, in each case, in all material respects. Section 3.13(i) of the Disclosure Letter sets out each side letter or similar arrangement with any investor in a Fund, and since
January 1, 2010, each side letter or similar arrangement has been performed by the Company or applicable Subsidiary in accordance with its terms and applicable Law, in each case, in all material respects.
(j) Each Public Funds board of directors or trustees, as applicable, has been established and operated in all material respects in
conformity with the requirements and restrictions of Sections 10 and 16 of the Investment Company Act and satisfies in all material respects the fund governance standards defined in Rule 0-1 under the Investment Company Act.
(k) Since January 1, 2010, none of the offering memoranda used in connection with an offering of shares, units or interests of any
Private Fund, including any supplemental advertising and marketing materials prepared by or on behalf of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company related thereto, contained an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which there were made, not misleading. Since January 1, 2010, all performance information provided, presented or made available by the Investment Adviser
Subsidiary to any Client, investor in a Fund or potential Client or investor has complied in all material respects with applicable Laws and the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has all rights to, and maintains all documentation necessary to form the
basis for, demonstrate or recreate the calculation, performance or rate of return of all accounts that are included in any such performance information as required by applicable Laws in all material respects.
(l) Each Public Fund has in full force and effect such insurance as required by the Investment Company Act and has in full force and
effect directors and officers and errors and omissions insurance policies. All premiums that are due and payable under such policies have been paid.
(m) The Company has made available to Parent copies of (i) the audited financial statements (if any) for each Fund for its most recent fiscal year and (ii) the unaudited semi-annual financial
statements for each Public Fund for its semi-annual period, if any, ended after the date of the most recent audited financial statements for such Public Fund (all such financial statements, the
Fund Financial Statements
). The Fund
Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved, and fairly presented in all material respects the financial position, results of operations and changes in net assets of each Fund
at the dates, and for the periods, stated therein.
(n) There are no liabilities or obligations of any Fund of any kind
whatsoever, whether known or unknown, accrued, contingent, absolute, determined, determinable or otherwise other than (A) (i) for each Public Fund, liabilities or obligations disclosed and provided for in the balance sheet of such Public
Fund or referred to in the notes thereto contained in the most recent annual or semi-annual report filed by the Public Fund prior to the date hereof with the SEC, or (ii) for each Private Fund, liabilities or obligations disclosed and provided
for in the balance sheet of such Private Fund or referred to in the notes thereto contained in the most recent report distributed by the Private Fund to its shareholders or other interest holders prior to the date hereof and provided or made
available to Parent, (B) for each Fund, liabilities or obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since the date of the Funds applicable report referenced in clause (A)(i) or (ii) above, or
(C) such other liabilities and obligations that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on such Fund or a Company Material Adverse Effect. No Fund is party to or subject to any
contract, agreement or other arrangement that would be a Material Contract if the Company were a party that is in violation, breach or event of default, or event or condition that,
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after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a violation, breach or event of default thereunder, on the part of the Fund, or to the Knowledge of the Company, any other party thereto,
except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on such Fund or a Company Material Adverse Effect.
Section 3.14.
Intellectual Property
.
(a) The Company and its Subsidiaries own or otherwise have a valid and enforceable right to use all Intellectual Property used or held for use and material to the conduct of their businesses as currently
conducted, and such Intellectual Property represents all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of their businesses as currently conducted. The Company and its Subsidiaries own all right, title and interest in and to all material
Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by the Company and its Subsidiaries (
Company Owned IP
). To the Knowledge of the Company, no third party has misappropriated, infringed or otherwise violated, or is
misappropriating, infringing or otherwise violating, any of the Company Owned IP. To the Knowledge of the Company, neither the Company Owned IP nor the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted has
misappropriated, infringed or otherwise violated, or misappropriates, infringes or otherwise violates, any Intellectual Property of any third party, except for any such misappropriation, infringement or other violation that would not, individually
or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. There is no claim, suit, action or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries: (A) alleging any such
misappropriation, infringement or other violation of any third partys Intellectual Property; or (B) challenging the Companys or its Subsidiaries ownership or use of, or the validity or enforceability of, any Company Owned IP.
(b) Section 3.14(b) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete and current list of all patents, registrations and
applications issued by, filed with, or recorded by any Governmental Entity pertaining to Company Owned IP (
Registered Intellectual Property
) as of the date hereof and the owner of record, date of application or issuance, and
relevant jurisdiction as to each. All material Registered Intellectual Property is owned by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, and is subsisting and, to the Knowledge of the Company, valid in
all material respects. To the Knowledge of the Company, all renewal fees and other maintenance fees for the Registered Intellectual Property that have fallen due on or prior to the date hereof have been paid, except as would not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. No material Registered Intellectual Property is the subject of any proceeding before any governmental, registration or other authority in any jurisdiction, other than preliminary or non-final
office actions.
(c) Section 3.14(c) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth a complete list of all material license
agreements pertaining to Intellectual Property to which the Company or any Subsidiary thereof is a party as of the date hereof (except for agreements pertaining to commercially available off-the-shelf software and non-exclusive licenses pertaining
to Company Owned IP granted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) (collectively, the
Material IP Agreements
). The Company and its Subsidiaries are in material compliance with all Material IP Agreements,
and neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries will be, as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, in breach of any Material IP Agreement.
(d) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiaries has made any claim of misappropriation, infringement or other violation by any third party
(including any employee or former employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries) of their rights to, or in connection with, any Intellectual Property. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement to indemnify any
other Person against any charge of infringement of any Intellectual Property, other than indemnification provisions contained in employment policies and agreements, customer agreements, purchase orders or license agreements or any other agreement
arising in the ordinary course of business.
(e) To the Knowledge of the Company, (i) none of the trade secrets included
in the Company Owned IP has been divulged, disclosed or appropriated to the detriment of the Company or its Subsidiaries for the benefit of any Person except pursuant to confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements or provisions, and no such Person
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has materially breached such agreements or provisions to the detriment of the Company or its Subsidiaries; and (ii) no employee, independent contractor, consultant or agent of the Company or
its Subsidiaries has misappropriated any trade secrets or other confidential information of any other person or entity in the course of the performance of his or her duties as an employee, independent contractor, consultant or agent of the Company
or its Subsidiaries. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable precautions to protect the secrecy, confidentiality, and value of the trade secrets included in the Company Owned IP.
(f) Section 3.14(f) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth a list, as of the date hereof, of all material proprietary computer software
programs, material proprietary applications and material proprietary databases included in the Company Owned IP (the
Proprietary Software
). Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material
Adverse Effect, neither the Company or its Subsidiaries nor any other party acting on their behalf has disclosed or delivered to any third party, or permitted the disclosure or delivery to any escrow agent or other third party, of any Proprietary
Software source code. The Company and its Subsidiaries own all right, title and interest in and to all Proprietary Software. To the Knowledge of the Company, no event has occurred, and no circumstance or condition exists, that (with or
without notice or lapse of time) will, or would reasonably be expected to, result in the disclosure or delivery by the Company or its Subsidiaries or any other party acting on their behalf, of any Proprietary Software source code, including any
event or circumstance that would violate the terms of any open source software license and require disclosure or delivery of any Proprietary Software source code. To the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Proprietary Software contains or is
derived from open source software.
Section 3.15.
Licenses and Permits
. Except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess all right, title and interest in and to each of their respective licenses, permits, franchises,
registrations, authorizations and approvals issued or granted to any of the Company or its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization (the
Licenses and Permits
) and has taken all necessary action to
maintain such Licenses and Permits in full force and effect, (ii) each License and Permit has been duly obtained, is valid and in full force and effect, and is not subject to any pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened
administrative or judicial proceeding to revoke, cancel, suspend, modify or declare such License and Permit invalid in any respect and (iii) the Licenses and Permits are sufficient and adequate to permit the continued lawful conduct of the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted, and none of the operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries are being conducted in a manner that violates any of the terms or conditions under which any License and Permit was
granted.
Section 3.16.
Compliance with Law
.
(a) The operations of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries are, and since January 1, 2010, have been, conducted in
accordance in all material respects with all applicable Laws and other requirements of all Governmental Entities or Self-Regulatory Organizations having jurisdiction over such entity or its assets, properties and operations. Since January 1,
2010, none of the Company or its Subsidiaries has received written notice from a Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization of any material violation (or any investigation with respect thereto) of any such Law or other requirement and none
of the Company or its Subsidiaries is in material default with respect to any Order applicable to any of its assets, properties or operations.
(b) The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is, and has been at all times since January 1, 2010, registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. No Subsidiary except the Investment Adviser
Subsidiary provides investment advisory services to any Person or is or has been an investment adviser within the meaning of the Advisers Act since January 1, 2010. The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is not prohibited by any
provision of the Advisers Act or the Investment Company Act, or the respective rules and regulations thereunder, from acting as an investment adviser in any material respect and in a manner not generally applicable to other investment
advisers. The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is duly registered, licensed or qualified as an investment adviser in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such registration and is in compliance with all U.S. federal and
state and non-U.S. Laws requiring any such registration, licensing or qualification, except, in each
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case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 2010, the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has timely filed all reports,
registrations and statements, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that were required to be filed under any applicable Law, with (i) any applicable Governmental Entity and (ii) any Self-Regulatory
Organization, including all required Form PFs and Form ADVs and amendments to Form PF and Form ADV (including any amendment required under applicable Law to be filed to make the disclosure set out therein not inaccurate), and each Form ADV or
amendment to Form ADV of the Investment Adviser Subsidiary, as of the date of filing with the SEC (and with respect to Form ADV Part 2B or its equivalent, its date) did not, as of such respective date, contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except, in each case, as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except for such matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has implemented written policies and procedures as
required by applicable Law (including Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act), complete and correct copies of which (including any written reports under such policies and procedures documenting identified internal failures to comply with such policies
and procedures since January 1, 2010 relating to compliance by the Investment Adviser Subsidiary and its employees subject thereto) have been delivered or made available to Parent and, except as otherwise noted in any such reports or filings,
since January 1, 2010 the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has been in compliance with such policies and procedures.
(c)
Section 3.16(c) of the Disclosure Letter lists the name of the only Subsidiary of the Company required to be registered as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act (the
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary
), and the Broker-Dealer
Subsidiary is, and has been at all times since April 1, 2011, duly registered, licensed or qualified as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act, and under the securities Laws of each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such
registration, licensing or qualification, except for any failure to be so registered, licensed or qualified in any such jurisdiction or to be in such compliance that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse
Effect. The Broker-Dealer Subsidiary is a member in good standing of FINRA and each other Self-Regulatory Organization where the conduct of its business requires such membership, except where the failure to be in such good standing would not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Since January 1, 2010, the Broker-Dealer Subsidiary has timely filed all required Form BDs and amendments to Form BD, and each Form BD or amendment to Form BD of the
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary, as of the date of filing with the SEC and FINRA did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Broker-Dealer Subsidiary has implemented written policies and procedures as required by applicable Law (including, but not limited to, NASD Conduct Rules 3010-3012 and FINRA
Rule 3130), complete and correct copies of which (including any reports or filings under such policies and procedures since January 1, 2010 relating to compliance by the Broker-Dealer Subsidiary and their employees subject thereto) have been
delivered to Parent and, except as otherwise noted in any such reports or filings, the Broker-Dealer Subsidiary has been in compliance in all material respects with such policies and procedures.
(d) Each employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or employee, supervised person or associated person of the Investment Adviser
Subsidiary or employee or associated person of the Broker-Dealer Subsidiary (if any) who is required to be registered or licensed as a registered representative, principal, investment adviser representative, salesperson or equivalent with any
Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization is duly registered or licensed as such and such registration or license is in full force and effect.
(e) None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, any officer, director or employee thereof or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other affiliated person (as defined in the Investment
Company Act) thereof is ineligible pursuant to Section 9(a) or 9(b) of the Investment Company Act to serve in any capacity referred to in Section 9(a) thereof to a Public Fund, nor is there any proceeding or investigation pending or, to
the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, by an Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization, which would reasonably be expected to become the basis for any such ineligibility. None of the Company, any of its
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Subsidiaries, any officer, director or employee thereof or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any other associated person (as defined in the Advisers Act) thereof is ineligible
pursuant to Section 203 of the Advisers Act to serve as a registered investment adviser or as an associated person of a registered investment adviser, nor is there any proceeding or investigation pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company,
threatened, by an Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization, which would reasonably be expected to become the basis for any such ineligibility.
(f) The Company has made available to Parent a true and correct copy of each material no-action letter and exemptive order issued by the SEC, the CFTC , FINRA or the NFA, to any of the Company or its
Subsidiaries or any Fund that remains applicable to its respective business as conducted on the date of this Agreement. The Company, its Subsidiaries and the Funds are in compliance in all material respects with any such material no-action
letters and exemptive orders.
(g) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is, or since January 1, 2010, has been,
(i) a bank, trust company, introducing broker, futures commission merchant, real estate broker, insurance company or insurance broker within the meaning of any applicable Law, (ii) required to be registered, licensed or qualified as a
bank, trust company, introducing broker, futures commission merchant, real estate broker, insurance company or insurance broker under any applicable Law, or (iii) subject to any material liability by reason of any failure to be so registered,
licensed or qualified. Since January 1, 2010, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of, and to the Knowledge of the Company there is no pending of threatened proceeding concerning, any failure to obtain any
bank, trust company, introducing broker, futures commission merchant, real estate broker, insurance company or insurance broker registration, license or qualification.
(h) None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has received, since January 1, 2010, any written notification or written communication (or, to the Companys Knowledge, any other
communication) from any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization (i) asserting non-compliance with any applicable Law or Order, (ii) threatening to revoke any license, franchise, seat on any exchange, permit, or governmental
authorization, (iii) requiring or requesting any of them (including any of the Companys or its Subsidiaries directors or controlling persons) to enter into a cease-and-desist order, agreement, or memorandum of understanding (or
requiring the board of directors or similar governing body thereof to adopt any resolution or policy), or (iv) restricting or disqualifying them from engaging in their activities (except for restrictions generally imposed by rule, regulation or
administrative policy on brokers or dealers generally).
(i) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually
or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect with respect to the Public Fund in question, or a Company Material Adverse Effect, no Public Fund has received, since January 1, 2010, any written notification or written communication (or, to the
Companys Knowledge, any other communication) from any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization (i) asserting non-compliance with any applicable Law or Order, (ii) threatening to revoke any governmental authorization,
(iii) requiring or requesting any of them (including any of the Public Funds directors/trustees) to enter into a cease-and-desist order, agreement, or memorandum of understanding (or requiring the board of directors/trustees thereof to
adopt any resolution or policy), or (iv) restricting or disqualifying them from engaging in their activities.
(j) Except
as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any pending, or, to the Companys Knowledge, threatened in writing, investigation, review or
disciplinary proceedings by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any officer, director or employee thereof.
(k) To the Knowledge of the Company, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is, nor is any Affiliate of any of them, nor any associated person as defined in the Exchange Act, subject to a
statutory disqualification as defined in Section 3(a)(39) of the Exchange Act or subject to a disqualification that would be a basis for censure, limitations on the activities, functions or operations of, or suspension or revocation
of the registration of the Broker-Dealer Subsidiary as a broker-dealer, municipal securities dealer, government securities broker or government securities dealer under Section 15, Section 15B or Section 15C of the Exchange Act, or
performing similar functions under the Laws of other jurisdictions, and there is no formal proceeding or
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written notice of investigation (or, to the Companys Knowledge, any informal proceeding or investigation) by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization, whether preliminary or
otherwise, that is reasonably likely to result in, any such censure, limitation, suspension or revocation.
(l) Except as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds is subject to any cease-and-desist or other order issued by, or a party to any written agreement, consent
agreement or memorandum of understanding with, or a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, subject to any order or directive by, a recipient since January 1, 2010 of any supervisory letter from, or has adopted since
January 1, 2010 any board resolutions at the request of, any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization, or been advised, since January 1, 2010, by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization that it is considering
issuing or requesting any such agreement or other action or has pending or, to the Companys Knowledge, threatened, regulatory investigation or review. True and correct copies of all correspondence relating to any investigation, examination,
review or inquiry by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds from January 1, 2010 through the date of this Agreement, have been made available to Parent or its
representatives, and all requests, recommendations or comments provided by a Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization in connection with any such investigation, examination, review or inquiry have been appropriately addressed or responded
to, as the case may be, by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries and/or the Funds, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect.
(m) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (A) since January 1, 2010, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all reports,
registrations and statements in a reasonably timely manner, together with any amendments required to be made with respect thereto, that were required to be filed under any applicable Law, with (i) any applicable Governmental Entity and
(ii) any Self-Regulatory Organization (collectively, the
Reports
) and (B) as of their respective dates, the Reports complied with the applicable Laws and Orders enforced or promulgated by the Governmental Entity or
Self-Regulatory Organization with which such Reports were filed.
(n) The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is, and has been at all
times since January 1, 2010, registered as a commodity pool operator and commodity trading advisor under the CEA and a member of the NFA. Except as set forth on Section 3.16(n) of the Disclosure Letter, no Subsidiary except the Investment
Adviser Subsidiary acts or has acted as a commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor of or with respect to any Person within the meaning of the CEA since January 1, 2010. No Subsidiary except the Investment
Adviser Subsidiary is required to be registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator or commodity trading advisor. The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is not prohibited by any provision of the CEA from acting as a commodity pool operator or
commodity trading advisor in any material respect and in a manner not generally applicable to other commodity pool operators or commodity trading advisors. The Investment Adviser Subsidiary is duly registered, licensed or qualified as a commodity
pool operator or commodity trading advisor in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such registration and is in compliance with all federal, state and foreign Laws requiring any such registration, licensing or qualification,
in each case, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) since January 1, 2010, the
Investment Adviser Subsidiary has complied with all reporting, recordkeeping and disclosure requirements of the CFTC and NFA applicable to a registered commodity pool operator and commodity trading advisor, (ii) without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has timely filed all reports and documents required by the CEA and the rules of the NFA with the CFTC and NFA, as applicable, including all annual reports, disclosure documents, Forms PQR, Forms PR
and NFA 2-46 reports, and each such report, as of the date of filing with the CFTC and/or NFA did not, as of such respective date, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iii) since January 1, 2010, the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has timely delivered to all investors in the Funds
all reports and disclosures required to be delivered pursuant to the CEA and (iv) since January 1, 2010, the Investment Adviser Subsidiary has maintained all records required to be maintained pursuant to the CEA.
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(o) Except for the entities listed on Section 3.16(o) of the Disclosure Letter (such
entities, the
Commodity Pools
), none of the Funds are commodity pools as defined in Section 1a(10) of the CEA in respect of which the Investment Adviser Subsidiary is required to be a registered commodity pool
operator. Except for such matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (i) all Public Funds are excluded from the definition of commodity pool operator and/or are qualifying
entities for purposes of CFTC Rule 4.5 promulgated under the CEA and (ii) a CFTC Rule 4.5 notice of exclusion has been properly and timely filed with the NFA with respect to each of the Public Funds. The Investment Adviser Subsidiary has
properly and timely filed a CFTC Rule 4.13(a)(3) or CFTC Rule 4.7 notice of exemption with respect to each Private Fund that is a commodity pool as defined in Section 1a(10) of the CEA.
(p) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, (A) all exchange traded,
over-the-counter or other swaps, caps, floors, collars, option agreements, futures and forward contracts and other similar arrangements or Contracts (collectively,
Derivatives Contracts
), if any, whether entered into for the
Companys own account, or for the account of one or more of its Subsidiaries or their customers (including the Funds) were entered into (i) in the ordinary course of business and comply with all applicable Laws and the Companys and,
as applicable, its Subsidiaries existing regulatory authorizations, and (ii) with counterparties reasonably believed to be financially responsible at the time; and each of them constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of the
Company or one of its Subsidiaries (or, to the Knowledge of the Company, such a customer), enforceable in accordance with its terms, and are in full force and effect and (B) none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge
of the Company, any other party thereto, is in breach of any of its obligations under any such agreement or arrangement.
Section 3.17.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
. Since January 1, 2010, neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Knowledge of the Company, any Person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has taken or failed to take any action that would cause it to be in material violation in of the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.K. Bribery Act, or any similar anti-bribery or anti-corruption Law applicable to the Company, or any rules or regulations thereunder.
Section 3.18.
Litigation
.
There are no civil, criminal, administrative or other
claims, actions, suits, proceedings, subpoenas or, to the Knowledge of the Company, investigations (each, an
Action
) pending, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened, before any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory
Organization, or before any arbitrator of any nature, brought by or against any of the Funds or against the Company or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, portfolio managers, research analysts or other senior investment
professionals involving or relating to the Company, its Subsidiaries or the Funds, the assets, properties or rights of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or the Funds, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case, except as
would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect (but in this case only such definition shall be read without clause (b) thereof). As of the date hereof, there is no action, suit, investigation or proceeding
pending against, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries before (or, in the case of threatened actions, suits, investigations or proceedings, that would be before) or by any
Governmental Entity or arbitrator, challenging this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. There is no material Order of any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization or any arbitrator of any nature outstanding, or, to the
Knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any Fund, except for any such Order that is generally applicable to Persons engaged in the line of business in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged.
Section 3.19.
Contracts
.
(a) Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth all of the following Contracts to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, or by which any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are bound, in each case as of the date hereof:
(i) any material contract (as such term is defined in Item 601 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act), whether or not filed by the Company with the SEC;
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(ii) any Contract providing for indemnification or any guaranty by the
Company or any Subsidiary thereof, in each case, that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than (A) any Contract providing for indemnification of Clients that is entered into in the ordinary course of
business and (B) any guaranty by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof of any of the obligations of the Company or another Subsidiary thereof;
(iii) any Contract relating to the disposition or acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the date of this Agreement of any material assets or properties;
(iv) any Contract providing that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not compete in any line of business or
geographic area or that will restrict the Surviving Company or any of its Affiliates from competing in any line of business or geographic area after the Closing Date;
(v) any acquisition Contract pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has (A) earn-out or
other contingent purchase price payment obligations, in each case, that have not been paid in full prior to the date hereof or (B) material on-going indemnification obligations;
(vi) any mortgages, indentures, guarantees, loans or credit agreements, security agreements or other Contracts, in each
case, relating to indebtedness for borrowed money, whether as borrower or lender, in each case, in excess of $250,000, other than (A) accounts receivables and payables, and (B) loans to direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the
Company;
(vii) any Contract which requires the expenditure by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, or
pursuant to which the Company or any Subsidiary thereof reasonably believes that it will expend, more than $250,000 in the aggregate in any future 12-consecutive-month period and that is not terminable with notice of ninety (90) days or less
without further liability to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof;
(viii) any material Investment Advisory
Arrangement;
(ix)(A) any material underwriter agreement, custody agreement or shareholder servicing agreement,
or (B) any material fund services, transfer agent, administrative, accounting or any other similar agreement, in each case that is reasonably likely to require more than $500,000 in payments by the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, on an annualized basis;
(x) any Investment Advisory Arrangement which contains (A) a
clawback or similar undertaking by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries requiring the reimbursement or refund of any fees, or (B) a most favored nation or similar provision binding on the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries;
(xi) any material joint venture, strategic alliance, partnership or other similar agreement or
arrangement involving a sharing of profits or expenses;
(xii) any Contract providing for future payments or
acceleration or vesting of payments, in each case, in excess of $250,000, that are conditioned, in whole or in part, on a change of control of the Company;
(xiii) any Contract (A) to cap fees or other payments, or (B) to waive expenses or to reimburse or assume fees and expenses, in each case with respect to any Client;
(xiv) any sales or distribution Contract (or series of Contracts with a party or related parties) that provides for annual
payments by or to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or pursuant to which the Company or any Subsidiary is reasonably likely to receive or make annual payments, in excess of $500,000;
(xv) any Contract requiring the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (A) to co-invest with another Person, (B) to
provide seed capital or a similar investment, or (C) to invest in any investment product, in each case, in an amount in excess of $250,000; and
(xvi) any other Contract not made in the ordinary course of business that is material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
Each (A) Contract set forth on (or required to be set forth on) Section 3.19(a) of the Disclosure Letter, (B) Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and that is
filed as an exhibit to a
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registration statement of a Public Fund as part of its Public Fund SEC Documents, whether or not described in the immediately preceding sentence of this Section 3.19(a), and
(C) Material Lease and each Contract set forth on (or required to be set forth on) Section 3.14(c) of the Disclosure Letter, is referred to herein as a
Material Contract
.
(b)(i) Each Material Contract is valid and binding on the Company and any of its Subsidiaries party thereto and, to the Knowledge of the
Company, the other party or parties thereof, and is in full force and effect, other than any such Material Contract that expires or is terminated after the date hereof in accordance with its terms or amended by agreement with the counterparty
thereto (
provided
that, if any such Material Contract is so amended or terminated in accordance with its terms after the date hereof (
provided
such amendment or termination is not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement), then to the
extent the representation and warranty contained in this sentence is made or deemed made as of any date that is after the date of such amendment or termination, the reference to
Material Contract
in the first clause of this
sentence shall be deemed to be a reference to such Contract as so amended and shall be deemed to exclude any such terminated Contract), and (ii) the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and, to the Knowledge of the Company, the other party or
parties thereto, has performed all obligations required to be performed by them under each Material Contract, except, in the case of each of (i) and (ii) above, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material
Adverse Effect.
Section 3.20.
Employee Plans
.
(a) Section 3.20(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth a correct and complete list of each material Employee Benefit Plan.
Employee Benefit Plan shall mean each employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not subject to ERISA) and all other employee compensation and benefits plans, policies, programs or
arrangements, including multiemployer plans within the meaning of Section 3(37) of ERISA, and each other stock purchase, Company Stock Plan, Company Equity Award, stock option, restricted stock, severance, retention, employment, consulting,
change-of-control, collective bargaining, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, employee loan, fringe benefit and other benefit plan, agreement, program, policy, commitment or other arrangement, whether or not subject to ERISA (including any
related funding mechanism now in effect or required in the future), whether oral or written, in each case, sponsored, maintained, contributed or required to be contributed to by the Company or its Subsidiaries or under which the Company or any
Subsidiary has any current or potential liability.
(b) The Company has provided or made available to Parent or its counsel
with respect to each material Employee Benefit Plan a true and complete copy of all plan documents, if any, including related trust agreements, funding arrangements, and insurance contracts and all material amendments thereto; and, to the extent
applicable, (i) the most recent determination letter, if any, received by the Company or Subsidiary from the IRS regarding the tax-qualified status of such Employee Benefit Plan; (ii) the most recent financial statements for such Employee
Benefit Plan, if any; (iii) the most recent actuarial valuation report, if any; (iv) the current summary plan description and any summaries of material modifications; and (v) Form 5500 Annual Returns/Reports, including all schedules
and attachments, including the certified audit opinions, for the most recent plan year.
(c) No Employee Benefit Plan is a
multiemployer plan as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA, and none of the Company, or any current or former member of its controlled group (within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code) has withdrawn at any time
within the preceding six years from any multiemployer plan, or incurred any withdrawal liability which remains unsatisfied, and no events have occurred and no circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to result in any such liability to
the Company or any current or former member of its controlled group (within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code). No Employee Benefit Plan is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971 of the
Code. No Employee Benefit Plan is subject to the laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States.
(d) With respect to
each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, such plan, and its related trust, has received a determination letter (or opinion letter in the case of any prototype plan) from the IRS that it is so
qualified and that its trust is exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code,
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and to the Knowledge of the Company nothing has occurred that could adversely affect such qualification or exemption or cause the imposition of any material liability, penalty or tax under ERISA
or the Code. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, all amendments and actions required to bring the Employee Benefit Plans into conformity with all applicable
provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable Laws have been made or taken except to the extent that such amendments or actions are not required by applicable Laws to be made or taken until a date after the date of this Agreement.
(e) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
(i) each Employee Benefit Plan has been established and administered in accordance with its terms, and in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other applicable Laws; (ii) all contributions (including all
employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) required to have been made under any of the Employee Benefit Plans to any funds or trusts established thereunder or in connection therewith have been made by the due date thereof
and all contributions for any period ending on or before the Closing Date which are not yet due will have been paid or accrued prior to the Closing Date; and (iii) none of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of the Company, any
party in interest or disqualified person with respect to the Employee Benefit Plans has engaged in a non-exempt prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or 4975 of the Code pursuant
to which the tax or penalty could be material.
(f) There are no material pending actions, claims or lawsuits which have been
instituted against the Employee Benefit Plans, the assets of any of the trusts under such plans or the plan sponsor or the plan administrator, or against any fiduciary of the Employee Benefit Plans with respect to the operation or administration of
such plans or the investment of plan assets (other than routine benefit claims) and no Employee Benefit Plan has been the subject of an audit, investigation or examination by any Governmental Entity to the Knowledge of the Company.
(g) None of the Employee Benefit Plans provide retiree health or life insurance benefits except as may be required by Section 4980B
of the Code and Section 601 of ERISA, any other applicable Laws or at the expense of the participant or the participants beneficiary.
(h) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will (either alone or in combination with another event) (i) result in any
payment becoming due, or increase the amount of any compensation or benefits due, to any current or former employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries or with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan; (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable
under any Employee Benefit Plan; (iii) result in the acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such compensation or benefits; or (iv) result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction within the meaning of
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
(i) No Contract, Employee Benefit Plan, warrant or other
compensatory or equity-based arrangement with any employee, officer or director of the Company contains any provision requiring the Company to pay on behalf of, or otherwise reimburse, any such individual for any income or excise taxes due by such
individual upon payment of any benefits by the Company.
Section 3.21.
Insurance
.
The Company has made available to Parent true, complete and
accurate copies of all material surety bonds, fidelity bonds and all material policies of title, liability, fire, casualty, business interruption, workers compensation and other forms of insurance insuring each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and their assets, properties and operations. All such policies and bonds are in full force and effect. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect, none of the Company or its
Subsidiaries is in default under any provisions of any such policy of insurance nor has any of the Company or its Subsidiaries received notice of cancellation of or cancelled any such insurance. For all material claims made under such policies and
bonds, the Company and its Subsidiaries have timely complied with any applicable notice provisions in all material respects.
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Section 3.22.
Affiliate Transactions
.
No
executive officer or director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Person owning more than 5% or more of the Common Stock (or any such Persons immediate family members or Affiliates or associates) (a) is a party to any
Contract with, or binding upon, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets, rights or properties, (b) has any interest in any property owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (c) has engaged in any
transaction involving the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective assets, rights or properties within the last twelve (12) months, in each case, that is of the type of transaction that would be required to be disclosed
under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, other than ordinary course of business employment agreements.
Section 3.23.
Labor Matters
.
(a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement or other labor union contract
applicable to their employees of and, to the Knowledge of the Company, there are not any activities or proceedings of any labor union to organize any such employees. Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, be material to the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (i) there is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint pending before any applicable Governmental Entity relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries or any employee thereof; (ii) there is no labor
strike, slowdown or work stoppage or lockout pending or, to the Knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or its Subsidiaries, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has experienced any strike, slowdown or
work stoppage, lockout or other collective labor action by or with respect to its employees; (iii) there is no representation claim or petition pending before any applicable Governmental Entity, and, to the Knowledge of the Company, no question
concerning representation exists relating to the employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries; (iv) there are no charges with respect to or relating to any of the Company or its Subsidiaries pending before any applicable Governmental Entity
responsible for the prevention of unlawful employment practices; and (vi) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any Governmental Entity responsible for the enforcement of labor or employment Laws of an
intention to conduct an investigation of the Company or its Subsidiaries and no such investigation is in progress.
(b) Since
January 1, 2010, there has been no mass layoff or plant closing as defined by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 or any similar state or local plant closing law, with respect to the
current or former employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
Section 3.24.
Environmental
Matters
.
Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Company Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is, and has been since January 1, 2010, in compliance with all applicable Laws and other
requirements of governmental or regulatory authorities relating to pollution, the environment, natural resources or workplace health and safety (
Environmental Laws
). Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has in effect all
licenses, permits and other authorizations required under all Environmental Laws and is in compliance with all such licenses, permits and authorizations.
(b) The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received any written notice of violation or potential liability under any Environmental Laws from any Person or any Governmental Entity inquiry, written
request for information, or demand letter under any Environmental Law relating to operations or properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries which would be reasonably expected to result in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurring liability
under Environmental Laws. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is subject to any Orders arising under Environmental Laws nor are there any administrative, civil or criminal actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending, or, to the
Knowledge of the Company, threatened in writing, against the Company or its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law which would reasonably be expected to result in the Company or any of its Subsidiaries incurring liability under Environmental Laws.
None of the Company or its Subsidiaries has entered into any agreement pursuant to which the Company or its Subsidiaries has assumed or will assume any liability under Environmental Laws, including any obligation for costs of remediation, of any
other Person.
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Section 3.25.
No Brokers
. No broker, finder or
similar intermediary has acted for or on behalf of, or is entitled to any brokers, finders or similar fee or other commission from the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby,
other than Goldman, Sachs & Co. (
GS
). The Company has heretofore furnished to Parent a complete and correct copy of all Contracts between the Company and GS pursuant to which GS would be entitled to any payment relating
to the transactions contemplated hereby or pursuant to which GS would have any rights against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the Effective Time (other than customary rights of indemnification pursuant to a Contract).
Section 3.26.
State Takeover Statutes
.
Subject to the accuracy of Parents and
Merger Subs representations and warranties in Section 4.10, the Board of Directors of the Company has taken all action necessary to ensure that any restrictions on business combinations contained in the DGCL, including Section 203 of
the DGCL, or in the Company Organizational Documents will not apply to the Merger, the Voting Agreements and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting Agreements. No other fair price, moratorium,
control share acquisition or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation or any anti-takeover provision in the Company Organizational Documents is applicable to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 3.27.
Opinion of Financial Advisor
. The Special Committee has received the
opinion of GS, dated as of the date hereof, to the effect that, as of such date, the Merger Consideration to be received by the holders of the Common Stock pursuant to the Merger is fair from a financial point of view to the holders of such Common
Stock. A written copy of such opinion will be delivered or made available to Parent promptly following the date of this Agreement. The Company has obtained the authorization of GS to include a copy of its opinion in the Proxy Statement.
Section 3.28.
Information Supplied
. The Proxy Statement shall not, on the date the Proxy
Statement is first mailed to the stockholders of the Company or at the time of the Company Stockholders Meeting or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that no representation is made by the Company with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference
therein based on information supplied by Parent or Merger Sub in connection with the preparation of the Proxy Statement for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein. The Proxy Statement will, when filed, comply as to form in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
Section 3.29.
Board Approval
.
The Board of Directors of the Company, at a meeting duly called and held, by unanimous vote (upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee), has (i) determined that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including
the Merger, are advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, (ii) approved this Agreement, the Voting Agreements (for purposes of Section 203 of the DGCL), and the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger, and (iii) resolved, subject to Section 7.7, to recommend that the holders of the shares of Common Stock approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the Merger (clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are collectively referred to as, the
Company Board Recommendation
).
Section 3.30.
Vote Required
. Subject to the accuracy of Parents and Merger Subs representations and warranties in Section 4.10, the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon (the
Required Company Vote
) is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of the Companys capital stock necessary
to approve and adopt this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger.
Section 3.31.
No Other Representations or Warranties
. Except for the representations and
warranties contained in this Article III, neither the Company nor any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
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ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Parent and Merger Sub hereby, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Company as follows:
Section 4.1.
Organization
. Each of Parent and Merger Sub is duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, and has all requisite corporate power to own its properties and assets and to conduct its businesses as now conducted.
Section 4.2.
Qualification to Do Business
. Each of Parent and Merger Sub is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in
every jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably
be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.3.
No Conflict or Violation
. The execution, delivery and performance by Parent and
Merger Sub of this Agreement (including the consummation of the Merger) and by U.S. Parent of the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement does not and will not, directly or indirectly, (i) violate or conflict with any provision of any Parent
Organizational Document or the organizational documents of any Subsidiary of Parent, including Merger Sub and U.S. Parent, (ii) violate any provision of Law, or any Order of any Governmental Entity applicable to Parent or any Subsidiary
thereof, including Merger Sub and U.S. Parent, or any of their respective businesses, assets or properties, (iii) violate or result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material Contract,
license or permit to which Parent or any Subsidiary thereof, including Merger Sub and U.S. Parent, is a party, or result in or give to others any rights of cancellation, modification, amendment, acceleration, revocation or suspension of any of such
material Contract, license or permit, or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (except Permitted Lien) upon any of the assets, properties or rights of any of Parent, Merger Sub or U.S. Parent or their respective Subsidiaries,
except, in the case of each of clauses (ii) through (iv) above, as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.4.
Consents and Approvals
. No consent, waiver, authorization or approval of any Governmental Entity, Self-Regulatory Organization or other Person, and
no declaration or notice to or filing or registration with any Governmental Entity, Self-Regulatory Organization or other Person, is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement by
Parent, Merger Sub or U.S. Parent or the performance by Parent, Merger Sub or U.S. Parent of their respective obligations hereunder (including the consummation of the Merger) or thereunder, except for: (a) the filing of the Notification and
Report Form under the HSR Act; (b) applicable requirements of the Exchange Act; (c) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (d) the filing with the SEC of the Proxy Statement
relating to the Company Stockholders Meeting; (e) the filings or notices required or contemplated under the Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act; (f) the filings or notices required by, and any approvals required under the rules and
regulations of, FINRA or any other Self-Regulatory Organization; and (g) such consents, waivers, authorizations, approvals, declarations, notices, filings or registrations, which if not obtained or made would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.5.
Authorization and Validity of Agreement
. Parent and Merger Sub each has all
requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and U.S. Parent has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver
and performs its obligations under the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and Merger Sub and of the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement by
U.S. Parent, the performance by Parent and
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Merger Sub of their respective obligations hereunder and by U.S. Parent thereunder, and the consummation by Parent and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby and by U.S. Parent
thereby have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of Parent, Merger Sub and U.S. Parent, respectively, and all other necessary corporate action of Parent, Merger Sub and U.S. Parent, and no other corporate or company proceedings on the
part of Parent, Merger Sub and U.S. Parent are necessary to authorize this Agreement, the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed by Parent and Merger
Sub and, assuming due execution and delivery by the Company, shall constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Parent and Merger Sub, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to (a) the effect of
bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar Laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally, (b) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or
at law), and (c) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Section 4.6.
Information Supplied
. The information with respect to Parent or Merger Sub that
Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective representatives furnishes in writing to the Company expressly for use in the Proxy Statement shall not, on the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the stockholders of the Company or at the time
of the Company Stockholders Meeting or at the Effective Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no representation or warranty is made by Parent or Merger Sub with respect to statements made or incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement based on
information supplied by the Company, its Subsidiaries or their respective representatives in connection with the preparation of the Proxy Statement for inclusion or incorporation by reference therein.
Section 4.7.
Operations of Merger Sub
.
Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of
engaging in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations other than certain formation activities and the activities undertaken in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 4.8.
No Brokers
. No broker, finder or
similar intermediary has acted for or on behalf of, or is entitled to any brokers, finders or similar fee or other commission from Parent or Merger Sub in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby other than
J.P. Morgan Limited and Barrington Partners LLC.
Section 4.9.
Sufficiency of Funds
.
Parent has and will have at the Closing sufficient funds available to pay the Merger Consideration and all other amounts required to be paid by Parent under this Agreement.
Section 4.10.
Ownership of Company Stock
. None of Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates or associates is,
or has within the last three (3) years been deemed to be, an interested shareholder of the Company as those terms are defined in Section 203 of the DGCL.
Section 4.11.
No Other Representations or Warranties
. Except for the representations and warranties contained in this Article IV, none of Parent, Merger Sub
or any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty on behalf of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries.
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ARTICLE V.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY
The Company hereby covenants as follows:
Section 5.1.
Conduct of Business Before the Closing Date
(a) Except as expressly required by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Disclosure Letter or otherwise required by
Law or consented to by Parent in writing (which consent, in the case of clause (vii) below, shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), from the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination
of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, the Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (x) conduct its operations in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, and (y) use its commercially
reasonable efforts to maintain and preserve intact its business organization, including the services of its key employees (including portfolio managers and senior research analysts) and the goodwill of its customers, clients, lenders, distributors,
intermediaries, suppliers, regulators and other Persons with whom it has material business relationships. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except with the prior written consent of Parent (which consent, in the case of clause
(vii) below, shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), as expressly required by this Agreement or as set forth in Section 5.1 of the Disclosure Letter or otherwise required by Law, from the date of this Agreement until
the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, the Company will not, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, take any of the following actions:
(i) amend or propose to amend any of its organizational documents, except for immaterial amendments of any
Subsidiarys organizational documents;
(ii) authorize for issuance or grant, or issue or grant, any
Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities, other than the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the settlement of any Company Equity Award that is outstanding as of the date of this Agreement;
(iii)(A) redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any Company Securities or Company
Subsidiary Securities,
provided
that this clause (A) shall not prohibit the redemption, retirement, repurchase or acquisition by the Company of Company Securities in connection with (x) the forfeiture of Company Equity Awards by any
Person pursuant to the terms of the Company Stock Plan or any Contract entered into pursuant to the terms thereof, or (y) the withholding of Company Securities to satisfy Tax obligations with respect to Company Equity Awards, (B) make any
change in the Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities, whether by reason of a reclassification, recapitalization, stock split or combination, exchange or readjustment of shares, stock dividend or otherwise, or (C) make, declare, set
aside or pay any dividends or other distribution (whether in cash, stock, property or otherwise) in respect of, or enter into any Contract with respect to the voting of, any Company Securities or Company Subsidiary Securities,
provided
that a
wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company may make, declare, set aside and pay dividends or distributions to the Company or another wholly-owned Subsidiary thereof;
(iv)(A) except on behalf of a Client, sell, assign, transfer, sublease, license or otherwise convey or dispose of any of
its assets (including any Company Subsidiary Securities), Company Real Property or rights or any part thereof, with a fair market value in excess of $250,000 in the aggregate with respect to all such sales, assignments, transfers, subleases,
licenses or other conveyances or dispositions,
provided
that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Company and its Subsidiaries from taking the foregoing actions with respect to worn-out or obsolete equipment for fair or reasonable value in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, or (B) adopt or effect a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization;
(v)(A) redeem, repurchase, prepay, defease, incur or otherwise acquire any indebtedness for borrowed money or issue any
debt securities or assume, guarantee or otherwise become responsible for, the obligations of any Person for borrowed money, (B) voluntarily subject any of its assets, properties or rights
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or any part thereof, to any Lien or voluntarily suffer such to exist, other than, in each case, Permitted Liens, or (C) make or incur any capital expenditure in excess of $250,000
individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate;
(vi) except on behalf of a Client, acquire or offer or agree to
acquire (whether by way of merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock, acquisition of assets or otherwise) any Person or any division or assets thereof, or make any loans, advances or capital contributions to or investments in any Person (other
than the Company or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company),
provided
that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Company and its Subsidiaries from making any such loan or advance (x) taking the form of a loan or advance to any
employee of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof for travel or other expenses that is made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and in accordance with applicable Law, or (y) that constitutes the extension of trade
credit to any customer or client of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof so long as such extension of trade credit is made by the Company or such Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vii) except (1) as required by an Employee Benefit Plan or Contract, in each case, as in effect on the date hereof,
(2) applicable Law or (3) as contemplated by this Agreement, (A) increase in any manner (including by means of acceleration of payment) the compensation or benefits payable or to become payable to the directors, officers, consultants
or employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except, with respect to consultants and employees who are not employees at the level of first vice president or above, portfolio managers, research or credit analysts, members of the high yield
team or high grade team or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (B) establish, adopt, enter into or amend, materially increase any benefits available or payable
under, or accelerate the payment of any amounts or benefits under, any Employee Benefit Plan (or any plans, agreements, programs, policies, commitments or arrangements that would have been Employee Benefit Plans if in effect as of the date hereof),
or make any material contributions to any Employee Benefit Plan, (C) take any affirmative action to amend or waive any performance or vesting criteria or accelerate vesting, exercisability, settlement or funding under any Employee Benefit Plan,
(D) hire (except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to fill vacancies of positions other than employees at the level of first vice president or above, portfolio managers, research or credit analysts and members of
the high yield team or high grade team) or terminate (except for cause) any director, employees at the level of first vice president or above, portfolio manager, research or credit analyst or member of the high yield team or high grade team,
(E) promote any existing director, officer, consultant or employee to a more senior position or otherwise appoint, promote or transfer any director, officer, consultant or employee to another position, or assign a director, officer, consultant
or employee materially different responsibilities, except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice with respect to any employee who is not, and would not become, an employee at the level of first vice president or above,
portfolio manager, research or credit analyst or a member of the high yield team or high grade team, or (F) take any action with respect to salary, compensation, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment, consultancy or directorship
that would result in any director, officer, consultant or employee having good reason (or words of similar meaning) to terminate service and collect severance payments and benefits, except to effect a termination of any persons
employment for cause (as defined, if applicable, in the relevant Employee Benefit Plan and based on a determination by the Company or, if applicable, the Companys Board in good faith);
(viii) enter into, or amend or modify in any material respect, or terminate (other than at its stated expiry date or as
the result of the exercise of termination rights held by the counterparty thereto) or waive any material terms or conditions of, any Material Contract (or any Contract that, if entered into prior to the date of this Agreement, would have been a
Material Contract),
provided
that the foregoing shall not prohibit the Company or any Subsidiary thereof from (A) entering into any Contract that, if entered into prior to the date of this Agreement, would have been a Material Contract
or (B) amending, modifying or terminating any Material Contract (including any Contract entered into after the date of this Agreement that, if entered into prior to the date of this Agreement would have been a Material Contract), in each case,
in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
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(ix)(A) cause any Public Fund that holds itself out as qualifying as a
regulated investment company under Section 851 of the Code to fail to so qualify, (B) initiate any material modification to the prospectus and other offering, advertising and marketing materials, as amended or supplemented, of
any Public Fund then engaging in a public offering of its shares to effect any material change to the investment objectives or investment policies of such Public Fund, or (C) effect any merger, consolidation or other reorganization of any
Public Fund;
(x) amend or modify in any respect, or consent to the termination of or waiver of, any term or
condition of the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement;
(xi)(A) agree to reduce, waive, cap or rebate the
compensation paid by any Client other than in the case of Clients that are not Funds, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or (B) form, organize or sponsor any new Fund;
(xii) without limitation of the terms set forth in Section 7.8, settle, compromise, release or forgive any Actions to
which the Company or any Subsidiary thereof is a party or is threatened to be made a party, other than any such settlement, compromise, release or forgiveness that involves only the payment of monetary damages (and does not provide for any form of
equitable, injunctive or similar relief and does not contain as a term thereof any material restrictions on the business or operations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) not in excess of $250,000 with respect to any such Action or $1,000,000
in the aggregate with respect to all such Actions;
(xiii) make any material change in any method of accounting
or accounting principle, method, estimate or practice, except for any such change required by reason of a concurrent change in GAAP;
(xiv)(A) make or change any material Tax election or file any material amendment to a material Tax Return, except, in each case, as required by applicable Law, or (B) enter into any material closing
agreement, settle any material Tax claim, audit or assessment, surrender any right to claim a material refund of Taxes, or consent to any extension or waiver of the limitation period applicable to any Tax claim, audit or assessment relating to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries if any such election, change, amendment, agreement, settlement, surrender, consent or other action would have the effect of materially increasing the Tax liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any
period ending after the Closing Date or materially decreasing any Tax attribute of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date;
(xv) pay any amount to, or sell, transfer or lease any properties or assets to, or enter into any agreement or arrangement with, any of its Affiliates (other than the Company or any Subsidiary thereof),
other than the payment of compensation to directors, officers and employees in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or
(xvi) agree or commit to do any of the foregoing.
(b) Nothing contained in this
Agreement shall give to Parent or Merger Sub, directly or indirectly, rights to control or direct the operations of the Company or its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall
exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision of its and its Subsidiaries operations.
Section 5.2.
Resignations
. The Company shall cause to be delivered to Parent at the Closing written evidence reasonably satisfactory to Parent of the
non-revocable resignation effective as of the Effective Time for each of the members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof designated by Parent to the Company. At the request of Parent, the
Company shall provide Parent with a true and accurate list of the members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Subsidiaries of the Company.
Section 5.3.
Rule 16b-3
. Prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall approve, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act and in accordance with the Interpretative
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Letter dated January 12, 1999 issued by the SEC relating to Rule 16b-3, any dispositions of equity securities of the Company (including derivative securities with respect to equity
securities of the Company) resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by each officer or director of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to equity securities of
the Company.
Section 5.4.
Certain Notices
. From and after the date hereof and until
the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX hereof, the Company will notify Parent and Merger Sub in writing promptly of (a) any material written communication received by the
Company or any Subsidiary thereof from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) without limitation of the terms set forth in
Article VII, any material written communication from any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any Action commenced against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any directors or
officers thereof that is related, in whole or in part, to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (d) any event, change or effect between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time which causes or is reasonably likely to
cause the conditions to Closing set forth in Sections 8.2(a), 8.2(b) or 8.2(c) of this Agreement not to be satisfied at the Closing.
ARTICLE VI.
CERTAIN COVENANTS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB
Section 6.1.
Employee Benefits
.
(a) During the twelve (12) month period commencing at the Effective Time, Parent shall provide, or shall cause the Surviving Company
to provide, each employee of the Company and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the
Continuing Employees
) while such Continuing Employee remains in the employment of the Surviving Company and its Subsidiaries, with (i) a base
salary, wage or commission rate and bonus and incentive compensation opportunity at least equal to the Continuing Employees base salary, wage or commission rate and bonus and incentive compensation opportunity in effect as of immediately prior
to the Effective Time and (ii) employee benefits (other than any incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits, if any) that are that are no less favorable, in the aggregate, to
either (1) the employee benefits (other than any incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits) provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries to such Continuing Employee
immediately prior to the Effective Time, or (2) such employee benefits (other than any incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, defined benefit pension benefits and retiree medical benefits) provided to employees of the Parent and its
Subsidiaries who are similarly situated to such Continuing Employee;
provided
that, to the extent a Continuing Employee is a party to a Contract that entitles the Continuing Employee to a certain base salary, wage or commission rate, bonus
and incentive compensation opportunity or employee benefits, such Continuing Employee shall be entitled to receive such compensation and benefits in accordance with such Contract.
(b) With respect to any Continuing Employee who is a participant in the Green Lantern Severance Pay Plan (the
Company Severance
Pay Plan
) immediately prior to the Effective Time and whose employment with Parent and its Affiliates (including the Surviving Company) is involuntarily terminated without cause during the twelve (12) month period
commencing at the Effective Time, Parent shall provide, or shall cause the Surviving Company to provide, such Continuing Employee with severance benefits that are no less favorable than the severance benefits, if any, that would have been provided
pursuant to the terms of the Company Severance Pay Plan to such Continuing Employee upon an involuntary termination of employment immediately prior to the Effective Time;
provided
,
however
, that no such severance benefits shall be
provided to any Continuing Employee who is a party to a Contract that otherwise provides for severance benefits.
(c) For
purposes of eligibility and vesting under the benefit plans, programs agreements and arrangements of Parent and any of its Subsidiaries or any respective Affiliate thereof providing benefits to any Continuing
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Employees after the Effective Time, and in which such Continuing Employees did not participate prior to the Effective Time (the
New Plans
), including for purposes of
accrual of vacation and other paid time off and severance benefits under New Plans (but excluding any New Plan that is established after the Effective Time that does not recognize service prior to its adoption equally for all employees of Parent and
its Subsidiaries), each Continuing Employee shall be credited with his or her years of service with the Company and its Subsidiaries before the Effective Time, to the same extent as such Continuing Employee was entitled, before the Effective Time,
to credit for such service under any substantially similar Employee Benefit Plan, except where such credit would result in a duplication of benefits. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing: (i) each Continuing Employee shall be
immediately eligible to participate, without any waiting time, in any and all New Plans to the extent coverage under such New Plan replaces coverage under an Employee Benefit Plan in which such Continuing Employee participated immediately before
such replacement; and (ii) for purposes of each New Plan providing medical, dental, pharmaceutical and/or vision benefits to any Continuing Employee, Parent shall cause all pre-existing condition exclusions and actively-at-work requirements of
such New Plan to be waived, or caused to be waived, for such Continuing Employee and his or her covered dependents, and Parent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any eligible expenses incurred by such Continuing Employee and his or
her covered dependents under an Employee Benefit Plan during the portion of the plan year prior to the Effective Time to be taken into account under such New Plan for purposes of satisfying all deductible, co-insurance, co-payment and maximum
out-of-pocket requirements applicable to such employee and his or her covered dependents for the applicable plan year as if such amounts had been paid in accordance with such New Plan.
(d) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring, and the Company shall take no action that would have the effect of
requiring, Parent or the Surviving Company to continue any specific employee benefit plans or to continue the employment of any specific person. The provisions of this Section 6.1 are for the sole benefit of the parties to this Agreement and
nothing herein, expressed or implied, is intended or shall be construed to (i) constitute an amendment to any of the compensation and benefits plans maintained for or provided to employees prior to or following the Effective Time or
(ii) confer upon or give to any person (including for the avoidance of doubt any current or former employees, directors, or independent contractors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or on or after the Effective Time, the Surviving
Company or any of its Subsidiaries), other than the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, any legal or equitable or other rights or remedies (with respect to the matters provided for in this Section 6.1) under or
by reason of any provision of this Agreement.
Section 6.2.
Indemnification
Continuation
.
(a) Parent and its Subsidiaries (collectively, the
Indemnifying Party
) will, and
Parent will cause the Surviving Company and its Subsidiaries to, from and after the Effective Time, indemnify, defend and hold harmless, as and to the fullest extent permitted or required by applicable Law, each present or former director or officer
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the
Indemnified Parties
) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, legal and other expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement or actually and
reasonably incurred by any such Indemnified Party in connection with any threatened or actual claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, in respect of any actions or omissions (or alleged actions or
omissions) by any such Indemnified Party prior to the Effective Time (including in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). In the event of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, each Indemnified Party
will be entitled to advancement of fees and expenses incurred in the defense of any such claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation within thirty (30) days of receipt by Parent or the Surviving Company from the Indemnified Party of a
request therefor, subject to the Surviving Companys receipt of an undertaking (without the posting of any bond or other collateral) by such Indemnified Party to repay such fees and expenses if it is ultimately determined in a final and
non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to be indemnified under applicable Law;
provided
,
however
, that (i) the Surviving Company will not be liable for any
settlement effected without the Surviving Companys prior written consent and (ii) the Surviving Company and Parent shall cooperate in the defense of any such matter.
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(b) The Surviving Company will, and Parent will cause the Surviving Company to,
(i) maintain in effect for a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time the current policies of directors and officers liability insurance
maintained by the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time
(
provided
that the Surviving Company may substitute therefor policies, of at least the same coverage and amounts and containing terms and conditions that are not less advantageous in any material respect to the directors and officers of the
Company and its Subsidiaries when compared to the insurance maintained by the Company as of the date hereof), or (ii) obtain as of the Effective Time tail insurance policies with a claims period of six (6) years from the
Effective Time with at least the same coverage and amounts and containing terms and conditions that are not less advantageous in any material respect to the directors and officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case with respect to
claims arising out of or relating to events which occurred before or at the Effective Time (including in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement);
provided
,
however
, that in no event will the Surviving Company
be required to expend for such coverage (A) an annual premium in excess of three hundred percent (300%) of the last annual premium paid by the Company for such insurance prior to the date of this Agreement, which amount is set forth on
Section 6.2(b) of the Disclosure Letter (in the case of clause (i) above) or (B) an aggregate premium in excess of the aggregate premiums payable pursuant to the foregoing clause (A) (in the case of clause (ii) above) (the
maximum annual or aggregate premium payable pursuant to clause (A) or (B), as applicable, the
Maximum Premium
). If the insurance coverage cannot be obtained at either an annual premium or an aggregate premium, as the case may
be, that is equal to or less than the applicable Maximum Premium, the Surviving Company will obtain, and Parent will cause the Surviving Company to obtain, the maximum amount of directors and officers insurance (or tail
coverage) obtainable for an annual or aggregate premium, as the case may be, equal to the applicable Maximum Premium.
(c) The provisions of this Section 6.2 will survive the Closing and are intended to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable
by, each Indemnified Party and its successors and representatives after the Effective Time and their rights under this Section 6.2 are in addition to, and will not be deemed to be exclusive of, any other rights to which an Indemnified Party is
entitled, whether pursuant to Law, Contract, the Company Organizational Documents or similar organizational document of the Surviving Company or any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise.
(d) Following the Effective Time, the Surviving Company and each of its Subsidiaries shall, and Parent shall cause them to, include and
maintain in effect in their respective certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or similar organizational document) for a period of six (6) years after the Effective Time, provisions regarding the elimination of liability of directors (or their
equivalent), indemnification of officers and directors thereof and advancement of expenses which are, in the aggregate with respect to each such entity, no less advantageous to the intended beneficiaries than the corresponding provisions contained
in such organizational documents as of the date of this Agreement.
(e) If Parent, the Surviving Company, any Subsidiary
thereof or any of their respective successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger, or (ii) transfers or conveys
all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of Parent, the Surviving Company or any such Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall
assume the obligations set forth in this Section 6.2.
Section 6.3.
Certain
Notices
. From and after the date hereof and until the earlier to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX hereof, Parent and Merger Sub will notify the Company in writing promptly of
(a) any material written communication received by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their Subsidiaries from any Person alleging that the consent of such Person is or may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, (b) without limitation of the terms set forth in Article VII, any material written communication from any Governmental Entity in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any Action commenced
against Parent, Merger Sub or any of their Subsidiaries that is related, in whole or in part, to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (d) any event, change or effect between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time
which causes or is reasonably likely to cause the conditions to Closing set forth in Sections 8.3(a) or 8.3(b) of this Agreement not to be satisfied at the Closing.
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ARTICLE VII.
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES
Section 7.1.
Preparation of Proxy Statement; Company Stockholders Meeting
.
(a) The Company shall take all action necessary to duly call, give notice of, convene and hold the Company Stockholders Meeting as promptly as reasonably practicable after the SEC confirms that it has no
further comments on the Proxy Statement (whether or not the Board of Directors of the Company has made a Company Adverse Recommendation Change, but subject to the Companys rights under Section 9.1(f)), and, in connection therewith, the
Company shall mail the Proxy Statement to the holders of Common Stock in advance of such meeting. Except to the extent that the Board of Directors of the Company shall have effected a Company Adverse Recommendation Change as permitted by
Section 7.7 hereof, the Proxy Statement shall include the Company Board Recommendation. Subject to Section 7.7 hereof, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) solicit from the holders of Common Stock proxies in
favor of the adoption of this Agreement and approval of the Merger, and (ii) take all other reasonable actions necessary or advisable to secure the vote or consent of the holders of Common Stock required by applicable Law to obtain such
approval.
(b) In connection with the Company Stockholders Meeting, the Company will (i) as promptly as reasonably
practicable following the execution and delivery of this Agreement prepare and file the Proxy Statement with the SEC, (ii) respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to such filing and will
provide copies of such comments to Parent and Merger Sub promptly following receipt thereof, (iii) as promptly as reasonably practicable prepare and file (after Parent and Merger Sub have had a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on)
any response, amendments or supplements necessary to be filed in response to any SEC comments or as required by Law, (iv) use commercially reasonable efforts to mail to the Company stockholders as promptly as reasonably practicable the Proxy
Statement, (v) to the extent required by applicable Law, as promptly as reasonably practicable prepare, file and distribute to the Company stockholders any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement if any event shall occur which requires
such action at any time prior to the Company Stockholders Meeting, and (vi) otherwise use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all requirements of Law applicable to the Company Stockholders Meeting. Parent and Merger Sub shall each
cooperate with the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of the Proxy Statement, including furnishing the Company as promptly as reasonably practicable with any and all reasonable information with respect to Parent and Merger Sub as
may be required to be set forth in the Proxy Statement under the Exchange Act. The Company will provide Parent and Merger Sub a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon the Proxy Statement, or any amendments or supplements thereto, prior to
filing the same with the SEC.
Section 7.2.
Investment Advisory Arrangement Consents
.
(a) If consent to the assignment or deemed assignment of an Investment Advisory Arrangement with Clients (other than Public Funds) of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is required by applicable Law or by such Clients Investment Advisory Arrangement, as promptly as practicable following the date of this
Agreement, the Company and each such Subsidiary shall send a written notice (the
Notice
), which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, informing such Clients of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and requesting written consent to the assignment or deemed assignment of such Clients Investment Advisory Arrangement. At the request of Parent, and provided that the same is permitted pursuant to the applicable Investment
Advisory Arrangement, the Company and each such Subsidiary shall also send a written notice (the
Negative Consent Notice
), which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, to such Clients (which Negative
Consent Notice may, if requested by Parent, be included in the Notice) requesting written consent as aforesaid and informing such Client: (i) of the intention to complete the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which will result in a
deemed assignment of such Investment Advisory Arrangement; (ii) of the intention of the Company or such Subsidiary to continue to provide the advisory services pursuant to the existing Investment Advisory Arrangement with such Client after the
Closing if such Client does not terminate such agreement prior to the
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Closing; and (iii) that the consent of such Client will be deemed to have been granted if such Client continues to accept such advisory services for a period of at least forty-five
(45) days after the sending of the Negative Consent Notice without termination. With respect to each Private Fund, any Notice or Negative Consent Notice shall be sent to each limited partner or other investor in the Private Fund. At the
reasonable request of Parent, the Company shall cause the Investment Adviser Subsidiary to (x) provide a notice to any Client that has not consented to the assignment prior to the Closing stating that such Clients account may be
terminated if such consent is not received by the Closing and (y) subject to its fiduciary duties, terminate the Investment Advisory Arrangement with such Client effective immediately prior to the Closing if such consent has not been received.
(b) The Company and the Investment Adviser Subsidiary shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to, in accordance with
applicable Law, (i) as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement obtain the approval of each of the Public Fund Boards of a new Investment Advisory Arrangement, to be effective as of the Closing Date, containing terms
substantially comparable to (but providing for fees (after giving effect to any waivers or other reductions thereof) no less favorable to the Company and the Investment Adviser Subsidiary than) the applicable existing Investment Advisory Arrangement
as in effect on the date hereof (or, if entered into or amended after the date hereof in accordance with this Agreement, as in effect on the date of the execution or amendment thereof), and (ii) request the Public Funds to obtain, as promptly
as practicable following such approval of the Public Fund Boards, the necessary approval of the shareholders of each Public Fund (except if not required under exemptive orders granted under the Investment Company Act by the SEC with respect to any
Public Funds not sponsored by the Company or its Subsidiaries) of such new Investment Advisory Arrangement containing terms that are substantially comparable to (but providing for fees (after giving effect to any waivers or other reductions thereof)
no less favorable to the Company and the Investment Adviser Subsidiary than) the applicable existing Investment Advisory Arrangement as in effect on the date hereof (or, in entered into or amended after the date hereof in accordance with this
Agreement, as in effect on the date of the execution or amendment thereof). The parties agree that consent for any Investment Advisory Arrangement with a Public Fund (
Public Fund Consent
) shall be deemed given for all
purposes under this Agreement if a new Investment Advisory Arrangement has been approved in accordance with the preceding sentence (including in respect of the terms thereof) and is in full force and effect at the Closing;
provided
that,
notwithstanding the terms set forth in the two immediately preceding sentences, the term Public Fund Consent shall not include any interim Investment Advisory Arrangement approved in accordance with Rule 15a-4 under the Investment
Company Act (although the Company may nonetheless in its discretion seek, and upon the request of Parent, shall seek, the approval by the applicable Public Fund Board pursuant to such Rule 15a-4 of an interim Investment Advisory Arrangement for any
Public Fund with respect to any period after Closing in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement).
(c)
In connection with obtaining the Client consents and other actions required by subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 7.2, at all times prior to the Effective Time, the Company shall take reasonable steps to keep Parent promptly
informed of the status of obtaining such Client consents and, upon Parents request, make available to Parent copies of all such executed Client consents and make available for Parents inspection the originals of such consents and any
related materials and other records relating to the Client consent process. Without limiting the foregoing or the terms set forth in Section 7.3, in connection with obtaining the Client consents required under subsections (a) and
(b) of this Section 7.2, Parent shall have the right to review in advance of distribution any notices or other materials to be distributed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to Clients and shall have the right to have its reasonable
comments reflected therein prior to distribution.
Section 7.3.
Public Funds Proxy
Statements; Fund Registration Statements
.
(a) As promptly as practicable following approval of the Public Fund
Boards described in Section 7.2(b), the Company or one of its Subsidiaries will (in coordination with the applicable Public Fund and under the general direction of the applicable Public Fund Board) prepare and file proxy materials for the
Public Fund shareholder meeting to approve the new Investment Advisory Arrangement as contemplated by Section 7.2(b). The Company shall provide Parent with drafts of the proxy materials (and any SEC comments thereto) on a timely basis and
Parent shall have the right to review in advance of submission to the SEC the proxy materials (and any amendment or supplement thereto) to be furnished to the shareholders of any Public Fund and to (i) approve
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information or data that is provided by or on behalf of Parent or its Affiliates specifically for inclusion in such proxy materials, and (ii) provide comments on such proxy materials which
the Company (in coordination with the applicable Public Fund and under the general direction of the applicable Public Fund Board) will use commercially reasonable efforts to include therein.
(b) As soon as possible following the date hereof, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause each Public Fund
then engaged in a public offering of its shares to (i) file supplements or amendments to its prospectus forming a part of its registration statement then currently in use, which supplements or amendments shall disclose the transactions
contemplated hereby to the extent required by applicable Law, and (ii) make any other filing necessary under any applicable Law to satisfy in all material respects disclosure requirements in connection with the public distribution of the shares
of that Public Fund. Parent shall have the right to provide comments on such materials to the same extent as provided in Section 7.3(a).
Section 7.4.
Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act
.
(a) Parent acknowledges that the Company has entered into this Agreement in reliance upon the benefits and protections provided by Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act. In furtherance (and not
limitation) of the foregoing, Parent shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to conduct its business to enable the following to be true regarding Section 15(f) of the Investment Company Act in relation to any
Public Fund for which any Subsidiary of the Company provides investment advisory or sub-advisory services: (a) for a period of not less than three (3) years after the Effective Time (and provided the 75% standard for disinterested
directors is in effect at the Closing), no more than 25% of the members of the board of directors or trustees of any Public Fund shall be interested persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Company, any Subsidiary, the
Parent or any of its Affiliates or any other investment adviser for such Public Fund, and (b) for a period of not less than two (2) years after the Effective Time, neither Parent nor any of its Affiliates shall impose an unfair
burden (within the meaning of the Investment Company Act, including any interpretations or no-action letters of the SEC) on any such Public Fund as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) For a period of three years after the Closing Date, Parent shall not engage, and shall cause its Affiliates not to engage, in any
transaction that would constitute an assignment (as that term is defined under applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act and interpreted by the SEC) to a third party of any Investment Advisory Arrangement between Parent or any
of its Affiliates and any Public Fund, without first using reasonable best efforts to obtain from the counterparty to such transaction a covenant in all material respects comparable to that contained in this Section 7.4.
Section 7.5.
Access to Information
. Upon reasonable notice, the Company shall, and shall cause
its Subsidiaries to (and, subject to the fiduciary duties of it and its Subsidiaries, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Funds to), afford to Parent and its representatives and advisors reasonable access during normal
business hours, during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all of the officers, employees, properties, offices, other facilities and all books and records of the Company, its Subsidiaries and the Funds, and, during such period, the Company
shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to (and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Funds to), furnish promptly to Parent and its representatives and advisors, all other data, information, agreements and documents concerning
its business, properties and personnel as Parent or its representatives or advisors may reasonably request;
provided
,
however
, that the Company may restrict the foregoing access to the extent that, in the Companys reasonable
judgment, (i) providing such access would violate any of its contractual obligations to a third party with respect to confidentiality, or (ii) any Law applicable to the Company, its Subsidiaries or the Funds requires the Company, its
Subsidiaries or the Funds to preclude Parent or its representatives or advisors from gaining access to such properties or information;
provided
,
further
, that Parent and its representatives and advisors shall not have access to
individual performance or evaluation records or medical histories or information that is subject to attorney-client privilege or other privilege. Parent will hold, and will cause its representatives and advisors to hold, any information or documents
received or provided pursuant to this Section 7.5 in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the
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provisions of that certain letter agreement, dated December 10, 2012 (the
Confidentiality Agreement
), between the Company and Parent. Notwithstanding anything contained in
this Agreement to the contrary, no investigation by Parent or its representatives or advisors shall affect the representations, warranties, agreements, covenants or conditions of the parties set forth in this Agreement, including the conditions to
Closing set forth in Article VIII hereof.
Section 7.6.
Reasonable Best
Efforts
.
(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement (including those
contained in this Section 7.6(a)), each of the parties hereto shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with
the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable to consummate and make effective, and to satisfy all conditions to, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including
(i) the obtaining of all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents and approvals from Governmental Entities and the making of all necessary registrations and filings (including filings with Governmental Entities) and the taking of all
steps as may be necessary to obtain an approval or waiver from, or to avoid an action or proceeding by, any Governmental Entities, including, but not limited to, FINRA, the NYSE and the NFA, (ii) the obtaining of all necessary consents or
waivers from third parties required as a result of or in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) the execution and delivery of any additional instruments necessary to consummate the Merger
and to fully carry out the purposes of this Agreement. The Company and Parent and their respective counsel shall, subject to applicable Law, promptly (x) cooperate and coordinate with the other in the taking of the actions contemplated by
clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) immediately above and (y) supply the other with any information that may be reasonably required in order to effectuate the taking of such actions. Each party hereto shall promptly inform the other party or
parties hereto, as the case may be, of any material communication from any Governmental Entity regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If the Company or Parent receives a request for additional information or documentary
material from any Governmental Entity with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, then it shall use reasonable best efforts to make, or cause to be made, as soon as reasonably practicable and after consultation with the other
party, an appropriate response in compliance with such request, and, if permitted by applicable Law and by any applicable Governmental Entity, provide the other party and its counsel with advance notice and the opportunity to participate in any
material meeting with any Governmental Entity in respect of any filing made thereto in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the undertakings pursuant to Section 7.6(a) hereof, the parties hereto shall (i) provide or cause to be provided as promptly as practicable to Governmental
Entities with jurisdiction over the HSR Act (each such Governmental Entity, a
Governmental Antitrust Authority
) information and documents requested by any Governmental Antitrust Authority as necessary, proper or advisable to
permit consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including preparing and filing any notification and report form and related material required under the HSR Act as promptly as practicable following the date of this Agreement
and thereafter to respond as promptly as practicable to any request for additional information or documentary material that may be made under the HSR Act, and (ii) subject to the terms set forth in Section 7.6(c) hereof, use their
reasonable best efforts to take such actions as are necessary or advisable to obtain prompt approval of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by any Governmental Entity or expiration of applicable waiting periods.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require
Parent, the Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries to, and the Company and its Subsidiaries will not without Parents prior written consent, agree to any divestiture of shares of capital stock or of any business, assets or property, or
the imposition of any limitation on the ability of any of them to conduct their businesses or to own or exercise control of such assets, properties and stock to avoid or eliminate any impediment under the HSR Act.
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Section 7.7.
Acquisition Proposals
.
(a) Subject to the remainder of this Section 7.7, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall (whether directly
or indirectly through Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, representatives, advisors or other intermediaries), nor shall (directly or indirectly) the Company authorize or permit any of its or its Subsidiaries controlled Affiliates,
officers, directors, representatives, advisors or other intermediaries or Subsidiaries to: (i) solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate the submission of inquiries, proposals or offers from any Person (other than Parent) relating to any
Acquisition Proposal, or agree to or recommend any Acquisition Proposal; (ii) enter into any agreement to (x) consummate any Acquisition Proposal, (y) approve any Acquisition Proposal or (z) in connection with any Acquisition
Proposal, require it to abandon, terminate or fail to consummate the Merger; (iii) enter into or participate in any discussions or negotiations in connection with any Acquisition Proposal or inquiry with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, or
furnish to any Person any non-public information with respect to its business, properties or assets in connection with any Acquisition Proposal; or (iv) agree to resolve to take, or take, any of the actions prohibited by clause (i),
(ii) or (iii) of this sentence. The Company shall immediately cease, and cause its representatives, advisors and other intermediaries to immediately cease, any and all existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing. Any violation of this Section 7.7 by any officer, director or representative of the Company (other than the Persons listed in Section 7.7 of the Disclosure Letter) shall be deemed
to be a breach of this Section 7.7 by the Company. For purposes of this Section 7.7, the term Person means any person, corporation, entity or group, as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than,
with respect to the Company, Parent or any Subsidiaries of Parent.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors
of the Company (acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee), directly or indirectly through Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, representatives, advisors or other intermediaries, may, prior to the Company Stockholders Meeting,
(i) comply with Rule 14d-9 and Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act with regard to any Acquisition Proposal (
provided
that any action taken or statement made to so comply that relates to an Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed
to be a Company Adverse Recommendation Change unless the Board of Directors of the Company (acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee) reaffirms the Company Board Recommendation in such statement or in connection with such action), or
issue a stop, look and listen statement, (ii) engage in negotiations or discussions with any Person (and its representatives, advisors and intermediaries) that has made an unsolicited
bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal
not resulting from or arising out of a breach of Section 7.7(a), and/or (iii) furnish to such Person information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement and to the extent
nonpublic information that has not been made available to Parent is made available to such Person, make available or furnish such nonpublic information to Parent substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to such Person, in the case of
each of clauses (i), (ii) or (iii), if, and only if, prior to taking such particular action, the Board of Directors of the Company (acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee) has determined in good faith after consultation with
its financial advisors and outside legal counsel that such Acquisition Proposal constitutes or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Superior Proposal.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.7 to the contrary, at any time prior to the receipt of the Required Company Vote, the Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the recommendation
of the Special Committee) may (x) withdraw, modify or amend in any manner adverse to Parent its approval or recommendation of this Agreement or the Merger (a
Company Adverse Recommendation Change
) (i) in response to an
Intervening Event, or (ii) following receipt of an unsolicited
bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal that did not result from a breach of this Section 7.7 and which the Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the
recommendation of the Special Committee) determines in good faith, in consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel is a Superior Proposal, in each case, if and only if, the Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the
recommendation of the Special Committee) has determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable
Law and subject to the Companys compliance with Section 7.7(d) or (y) following receipt of an unsolicited
bona fide
written Acquisition Proposal that did not result from a breach of this Section 7.7 and which the
Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the recommendation
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of the Special Committee) determines in good faith, in consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel is a Superior Proposal, terminate this Agreement in accordance with the
provisions of Section 9.1(f) for the purpose of entering into a definitive acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement (a
Company Acquisition Agreement
) with respect to such Superior Proposal, if,
and only if, the Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee) has determined in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action
would be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable Law and the Company complies with Section 7.7(d) and, concurrently with entering into a Company Acquisition Agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal, the Company pays the
Termination Fee in accordance with Section 9.2(c).
(d) Prior to the Company taking any action permitted (i) under
Section 7.7(c)(x)(i), the Company shall provide Parent with prior written notice advising Parent it intends to effect a Company Adverse Recommendation Change and specifying, in reasonable detail, the reasons therefor, or (ii) under
Section 7.7(c)(x)(ii) or Section 7.7(c)(y) the Company shall provide Parent with five (5) Business Days prior written notice (it being understood and agreed that any material amendment to the amount or form of consideration
payable in connection with the applicable Acquisition Proposal shall require a new notice and an additional three (3) Business Day period) advising Parent that the Companys Board of Directors (acting upon the recommendation of the Special
Committee) intends to take such action, and if applicable, specifying the material terms and conditions of the Superior Proposal and that the Company shall, during such five (5) Business Day period (or subsequent three (3) Business Day
period, if applicable), negotiate in good faith with Parent to make such adjustments to the terms and conditions of this Agreement such that such Acquisition Proposal would no longer constitute a Superior Proposal.
(e) The Company shall notify Parent promptly (but in any event within 24 hours) after receipt or occurrence of (i) any Acquisition
Proposal, (ii) any proposals, discussions, negotiations or inquiries that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal, and (iii) the material terms and conditions of any such Acquisition Proposal and the identity of the
Person making any such Acquisition Proposal or with whom such discussions or negotiations are taking place, in each case, if such request for information, inquiry or proposal or discussions or negotiations would reasonably be expected to lead to an
Acquisition Proposal. In addition, the Company shall promptly (but in any event within 24 hours) after the receipt thereof, provide to Parent copies of any written documentation material to understanding such Acquisition Proposal which is
received by the Company from the Person (or from any representatives, advisors or agents of such Person) making such Acquisition Proposal or with whom discussions or negotiations would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition
Proposal. The Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, terminate, waive, amend or modify any provision of any existing standstill or confidentiality agreement to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, and the
Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, enforce the provisions of any such agreement;
provided
,
however
, that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company has waived any provision in any
such agreement that prohibits the counterparty thereto from confidentially requesting the Company to amend or waive the standstill provision in such agreement (
i.e.
, a dont ask to waive provision) to the extent necessary
(any only to such extent) to enable such counterparty to convey confidentially to the Board of Directors of the Company an Acquisition Proposal. The Company shall keep Parent reasonably informed of the status and material details (including any
amendments or proposed amendments) of any such Acquisition Proposal and keep Parent reasonably informed as to the material details of all discussions or negotiations with respect to any such Acquisition Proposal (in each case in a manner that is not
unduly disruptive of the Companys ability to conduct good faith discussions in accordance with this Section 7.7 with the party making such Acquisition Proposal and its representatives, advisors and agents) and shall provide Parent within
24 hours after receipt thereof all copies of any other documentation material to understanding such Acquisition Proposal (as determined by the Company in good faith) received by the Company from the Person (or from any representatives, advisors or
agents of such Person) making such Acquisition Proposal or with whom such discussions or negotiations are taking place;
provided
that, for the sake of clarity, it is understood and agreed that all such information and communications shall be
subject to the Confidentiality Agreement. The Company shall promptly provide to Parent any material non-public information concerning the Company provided to any other Person in connection with any Acquisition Proposal that was not previously
provided to
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Parent. The Board of Directors of the Company shall promptly consider in good faith (in consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors) any proposed alteration of the
terms of this Agreement or the Merger proposed by Parent. Except in connection with a termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(f), the Company shall not take any action to exempt any Person from, or make any acquisition of
securities of the Company by any Person not subject to, any state takeover statute or similar statute or regulation that applies to Company with respect to an Acquisition Proposal or otherwise, including the restrictions on business
combinations set forth in Section 203 of the DGCL, except for Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Voting Agreements.
Section 7.8.
Stockholder Litigation
. The Company shall keep Parent informed of, and cooperate
with Parent in connection with, any stockholder litigation or claim against the Company and/or its directors or officers relating to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
provided
,
however
, that no
settlement or compromise (or consent to entry of a judgment) in connection with any such stockholder litigation shall be agreed to by the Company or any director or officer thereof without Parents prior written consent (which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
Section 7.9.
Public
Announcements
. Except with respect to any Company Adverse Recommendation Change or any other action taken by the Company or the Board of Directors of the Company pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 7.7 hereof, each of the
Company, Parent and Merger Sub agrees that no public release or public announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued by any party without the prior written consent of the Company and Parent (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed), except as such release or announcement may be required by Law or the rules or regulations of
any applicable United States or United Kingdom securities exchange, in which case the party required to make the release or announcement shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to allow each other party reasonable time to comment on such
release or announcement in advance of such issuance (and the disclosing party will consider such comments in good faith).
Section 7.10.
Takeover Statutes
. If any business combination, control share acquisition, fair
price or similar statute is or becomes applicable to this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Voting Agreements, each of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company and their respective boards of directors
(in the case of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee) will (a) take all necessary action to ensure that such transactions may be consummated as promptly as practicable upon
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and (b) otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such takeover statute.
Section 7.11.
Stock Exchange Delisting
. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall cooperate with Parent and use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or
cause to be taken, all actions, and do or cause to be done all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable on its part under applicable Laws and rules and policies of the NYSE and the other exchanges on which the Common Stock of the Company is
listed to enable the delisting by the Surviving Company of the shares of Common Stock from the NYSE and the other exchanges on which the Common Stock of the Company is listed and the deregistration of the shares of Common Stock under the Exchange
Act as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time.
Section 7.12.
CFTC
Notices
. On or before March 1, 2013, (i) the Company shall cause the Investment Adviser Subsidiary to reaffirm all CFTC Rule 4.13(a)(3) notices of exemption it continues to rely on, if any, filed with respect to any Private Fund;
and (ii) the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Public Funds to reaffirm all CFTC Rule 4.5 notices of exclusion filed with respect to the Public Funds that they continue to rely on.
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ARTICLE VIII.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Section 8.1.
Conditions to Each Partys Obligation to Effect the Merger
. The obligations of the Company, Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are
subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a)
Stockholder
Approval
. The Company shall have obtained the Required Company Vote in connection with the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the stockholders of the Company.
(b)
No Injunctions or Restraints, Illegality
. No statute, rule, regulation or other Law shall have been adopted or promulgated after the date hereof, and no temporary restraining order, preliminary
or permanent injunction or other Order issued after the date hereof by a court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect, having the effect of making the Merger illegal or enjoining or otherwise prohibiting
consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c)
Regulatory Approvals
. The
waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been terminated or shall have expired.
Section 8.2.
Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub
. The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are subject to the
satisfaction of, or waiver by Parent, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional conditions:
(a)
Representations and Warranties
. (i) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section 3.5 (Authorization and Validity of Agreement), the first two sentences of Section 3.6(a) and the second sentence of
Section 3.6(b) (Capitalization and Related Matters), Section 3.9(a)(i) (Absence of Certain Changes or Events), Section 3.25 (No Brokers), Section 3.29 (Board Approval) and Section 3.30 (Vote Required) shall be true and
correct in all respects (except for such inaccuracies, in the case of the representations and warranties contained in the first two sentences of Section 3.6(a) and the second sentence of Section 3.6(b) (Capitalization and Related Matters),
as are de minimis in the aggregate) both when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at and as of such time (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true
and correct as of such earlier date) and (ii) all other representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects both when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at and as
of such time (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be
so true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to materiality or Company Material Adverse Effect set forth therein) does not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect. Parent
shall have received a certificate of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company on its behalf to such effect.
(b)
Performance of Obligations of the Company
. The Company shall have performed in all material respects and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required to be
performed or complied with by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date. Parent shall have received a certificate of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.
(c)
Company Material Adverse Effect
. During the period from the date hereof to the Closing Date, except to the extent set forth in
the Disclosure Letter, there shall not have been a Company Material Adverse Effect. Parent shall have received a certificate of an executive officer of the Company to such effect.
(d)
Specified Public Fund Consents
. The Public Fund Consents for all of the Specified Public Funds shall have been obtained.
(e)
Equity Public Fund Requirements
. The Equity Public Fund Minimum Requirement for each Equity Public Fund shall have
been satisfied.
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(f)
Restated Tax Receivable Agreement
. The Restated Tax Receivable Agreement shall be
valid and in full force and effect.
Section 8.3.
Additional Conditions to Obligations of
the Company
. The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of, or waiver by the Company, on or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional conditions:
(a)
Representations and Warranties
. (i) The representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in
Section 4.5 (Authorization and Validity of Agreement), Section 4.8 (No Brokers) and Section 4.10 (Ownership of Company Stock) shall be true and correct in all respects both when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at
and as of such time (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date), and (ii) all other representations and warranties of Parent
and Merger Sub set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all respects both when made and at and as of the Closing Date, as if made at and as of such time (except to the extent expressly made as of an earlier date, in which case such
representations and warranties shall be so true and correct as of such earlier date), except where the failure of such representations and warranties to be so true and correct (without giving effect to any limitation as to materiality or
Parent Material Adverse Effect set forth therein) does not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Parent Material Adverse Effect. The Company shall have received a certificate of an executive officer of Parent to such effect.
(b)
Performance of Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub
. Parent and Merger Sub shall have performed in all material
respects and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required to be performed or complied with by them under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall have received a certificate of an executive
officer of Parent to such effect.
ARTICLE IX.
TERMINATION
Section 9.1.
Termination
. This Agreement may be terminated only prior to the Effective Time by action taken or authorized by the Board of Directors of the
terminating party or parties (in the case of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee), and except as provided below, whether before or after approval of the matters presented in
connection with the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, in each case in the following manner only:
(a) By mutual
written consent of Parent and the Company, by action of their respective Boards of Directors (in the case of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee);
(b) By either the Company or Parent if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before October 14, 2013 (the
Termination Date
);
provided
,
however
, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(b) shall not be available to any party whose material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or
agreement set forth in this Agreement has been the principal cause of, or principally resulted in, the failure of the Merger to be consummated on or before the Termination Date;
(c) By either the Company or Parent if any statute, rule, regulation or other Law shall have been adopted or promulgated after the date
hereof, or any restraining order, injunction or other Order shall have been issued after the date hereof by a court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction, having the effect of making the Merger illegal or permanently enjoining or
otherwise permanently prohibiting consummation of the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such statute, rule, regulation, other Law, restraining order, injunction or other Order shall have become final and
nonappealable;
provided
,
however
, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1(c) shall not be available to any party whose material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth in
this Agreement has been the principal
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cause of, or resulted in, the adoption, promulgation or issuance of any such statute, rule, regulation, other Law, restraining order, injunction or other Order;
(d) By (i) either the Company or Parent if the approval by the stockholders of the Company required for the consummation of the
Merger shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the Required Company Vote at the Company Stockholders Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), or (ii) Parent if the Public Fund Consent for any
Specified Public Fund shall not have been obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the necessary approval of the shareholders of such Specified Public Fund at its shareholders meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) to approve
new Investment Advisory Arrangements as contemplated by Section 7.2(b) of this Agreement;
(e) By Parent, prior to the
receipt of the Required Company Vote at the Company Stockholders Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), if (i) a Company Adverse Recommendation Change shall have occurred, whether or not permitted by Section 7.7,
(ii) a willful and material breach of any of the Companys material obligations under Section 7.7 by (directly or indirectly) any of the Companys or its Subsidiaries or any of the Companys controlled Affiliates
officers, directors or advisors or representatives of the foregoing (other than the Persons listed in Section 7.7 of the Disclosure Letter) shall have occurred, (iii) the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or the Board of Directors (or
similar governing body) of the Company or any Subsidiary shall have approved, recommended, adopted or entered into, or publicly announced its intention to approve, recommend, adopt or enter into, a Company Acquisition Agreement (other than an
Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement), whether or not permitted by Section 7.7, (iv) the Board of Directors of the Company fails to reaffirm (publicly, if so requested by Parent) the Company Board Recommendation within the earlier of:
(A) ten (10) Business Days after the date any Acquisition Proposal (or material modification thereto) is first publicly disclosed by the Company or the Person making such Acquisition Proposal and (B) the date of the Company
Stockholders Meeting or (v) a tender offer or exchange offer relating to the Common Stock shall have been commenced by a Person unaffiliated with Parent and the Company shall not have sent to its stockholders pursuant to Rule 14e-2 under the
Securities Act, within the earlier of: (A) ten (10) Business Days after such tender offer or exchange offer is first published, sent or given and (B) the date of the Company Stockholders Meeting, a statement reaffirming the Company
Board Recommendation and recommending that stockholders reject such tender or exchange offer; or
(f) By the Company, if, prior
to the receipt of the Required Company Vote at the Company Stockholders Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof), the Board of Directors of the Company authorizes the Company, in compliance with Section 7.7, to enter into a
Company Acquisition Agreement (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement) in respect of a Superior Proposal;
provided
,
however
, that any such purported termination pursuant to this Section 9.1(f) shall be void and of no
force or effect unless the Company has complied with Section 9.2(c);
provided
further
,
however
, that in the event of such termination, the Company substantially concurrently enters into such Company Acquisition Agreement.
(g) By the Company if there shall have been a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of
Parent or Merger Sub contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 8.3(a) or Section 8.3(b) would not be satisfied and (i) such breach is not reasonably capable of being cured, or (ii) if such breach
is reasonably capable of being cured, such breach shall not have been cured prior to the earlier of (A) forty (40) days following the receipt by Parent and Merger Sub of written notice from the Company informing Parent or Merger Sub of
such breach, and (B) the Termination Date;
provided
,
however
, that (x) the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(g) if such breach is cured by Parent or Merger Sub
within the time period referred to immediately above, and (y) the Company shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(g) if the Company is then in material breach of any of its representations,
warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement; or
(h) By Parent if there shall have been a breach of any
representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of the Company contained in this Agreement such that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) would not be satisfied and (i) such breach is not reasonably
capable of being cured, or (ii) if such
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breach is reasonably capable of being cured, such breach shall not have been cured prior to the earlier of (A) forty (40) days following the receipt by the Company of written notice
from Parent informing the Company of such breach, and (B) the Termination Date;
provided
,
however
, that (x) Parent shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(h) if such breach is
cured by the Company within the time period referred to immediately above, and (y) Parent shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(h) if Parent or Merger Sub is then in material breach of any of its
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements contained in this Agreement.
Section 9.2.
Notice of Termination; Effect of Termination
(a) The party desiring to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Article IX (other than pursuant to Section 9.1(a)) shall
deliver written notice of such termination to each other party hereto. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become void and there shall be no liability or obligation on the
part of Parent, Merger Sub or the Company or any of their respective officers, directors, representatives, agents or Affiliates, except with respect to this Section 9.2, the penultimate sentence of Section 7.5 and Article X which
shall remain in full force and effect;
provided
,
however
, that the termination of this Agreement shall not relieve any party from any liability for damages caused by an intentional breach by such party of its covenants or agreements
set forth in this Agreement, a breach by such party of its representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement where such breach was made with knowledge thereof, or the intentional failure by such party to fulfill a condition to the
performance of the obligations of the other party (it being understood and agreed such damages shall not be limited to the reimbursement of the non-breaching partys costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement).
(b) If Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(e) (or if the Company or Parent shall terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9.1(b) or Section 9.1(d)(i) but at the time of such termination, Parent had the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(e) (other than pursuant to Section 9.1(e)(ii))), then the Company shall
pay to Parent not later than two (2) Business Days following such termination, an amount in cash equal to $5,700,000 (the
Termination Fee
) with the payment of the Termination Fee being made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to such bank account as Parent may designate in writing to the Company in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
(c) If the Company shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(f), then the Company shall pay to Parent prior to or concurrently with such termination, the Termination Fee, with the
payment of the Termination Fee being made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank account as Parent may designate in writing to the Company in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
(d) If (i) the Company or Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b) and provided that the Required
Company Vote shall not have been obtained at the Company Stockholders Meeting (including any adjournment or postponement thereof) or (ii) the Company or Parent shall terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(i), and in the case
of clauses (i) and (ii) immediately above, (A) prior to the termination of this Agreement (in the case of a termination pursuant to Section 9.1(b)) or prior to the Company Stockholders Meeting (in the case of a termination
pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(i)), there shall have been proposed to the Company or publicly disclosed or announced a
bona fide
Acquisition Proposal, and (B) within twelve (12) months of the termination of this Agreement, the
Company enters into a Company Acquisition Agreement (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement) with respect to (and at any time thereafter consummates), or consummates, an Acquisition Proposal (whether or not such Acquisition Proposal is
the same Acquisition Proposal that was so proposed to the Company or otherwise so publicly disclosed or announced), then, on and subject in all respects to the consummation of such Acquisition Proposal, the Company shall pay the Termination Fee to
Parent, less the amount of any Parent Expenses previously paid by the Company to Parent, with the payment of the Termination Fee being made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank account as Parent may designate in writing to
the Company in connection with Parents receipt of written notice from the Company informing Parent of the entry into such Company Acquisition Agreement or the consummation of such Acquisition Proposal, as applicable. For purposes of this
Section 9.2(d), notwithstanding
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anything in this Agreement that may be deemed to the contrary, the term Acquisition Proposal shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.13, except that the
references to more than 15% in the definition of Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be references to a majority instead.
(e) In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1(d)(i), the Company shall pay the Parent Expenses to Parent, which shall be paid to Parent in cash within two
(2) Business Days after delivery to the Company of written notice of the amount of such Parent Expenses, with the payment of such Parent Expenses being made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to such bank account as Parent may
designate in writing to the Company in connection with the termination of this Agreement.
(f) The Company acknowledges that
the agreements contained in this Section 9.2 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and are not a penalty, and that, without these agreements, Parent and Merger Sub would not enter into this Agreement. If the
Company fails to pay promptly any amount due to Parent pursuant to this Section 9.2, the Company will also pay to Parent the reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by Parent in connection with any
action, including the filing of any lawsuit or other legal action, taken to collect payment, together with interest on the amount of the unpaid amount due to Parent under this Section 9.2, accruing from its due date, at an interest rate equal
to 6% per annum. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement that may be deemed to the contrary, in no event shall the Company be required to pay the Termination Fee more than once.
(g) Parent and Merger Sub agree that, upon any termination of this Agreement under circumstances where the Termination Fee is payable by
the Company pursuant to this Section and such Termination Fee is paid in full, Parent and Merger Sub shall be precluded from any other remedy against the Company (and any Person making any Acquisition Proposal or Superior Proposal, if applicable),
at law or in equity or otherwise.
Section 9.3.
Amendment
. This Agreement may be
amended by the parties hereto, by action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors (in the case of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee), at any time before or
after approval of the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the stockholders of the Company, but, after any such approval, no amendment shall be made which by Law requires further approval by such stockholders without such further
approval. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
Section 9.4.
Extension; Waiver
. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto, by
action taken or authorized by their respective Boards of Directors (in the case of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company, acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee), may, to the extent legally allowed, (i) extend the
time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties hereto, (ii) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (iii) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written instrument signed on behalf of such party. The failure of
any party to this Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ARTICLE X.
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1.
Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements
. None of the
representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement, including any rights arising out of any breach of such representations, warranties, covenants and other
agreements, shall survive the Effective Time, except for Section 6.2 and any other covenants and agreements contained herein and therein that by their terms apply or are to be performed in whole or in part after the Effective Time and this
Article X.
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Section 10.2.
Successors and Assigns
. No party
hereto shall assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto and any such attempted assignment without such prior written consent shall be void and of no force and effect;
provided
,
however
, that each Parent and Merger Sub may assign this Agreement and its rights and obligations hereunder to an Affiliate without such consent, but no such assignment shall release Parent or Merger Sub from its obligations
under this Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the parties hereto.
Section 10.3.
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed, performed and enforced in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any applicable principles of conflict of laws
that would cause the Laws of another State to otherwise govern this Agreement.
(b) Each of the parties hereto irrevocably
agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect of this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising
hereunder brought by the other party(ies) hereto or its successors or assigns shall be brought and determined exclusively in the Delaware Court of Chancery, or in the event (but only in the event) that such court does not have subject matter
jurisdiction over such action or proceeding, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Each of the parties hereto agrees that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner
provided in Section 10.6 or in such other manner as may be permitted by applicable Laws, will be valid and sufficient service thereof. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such action or proceeding for itself
and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts and agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in
any court or tribunal other than the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any action or proceeding with respect to this
Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect of this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder (i) any claim that it is not personally subject to the
jurisdiction of the above named courts for any reason other than the failure to serve process in accordance with this Section 10.3(b), (ii) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from
any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by the
applicable Law, any claim that (x) the suit, action or proceeding in such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (y) the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or (z) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof,
may not be enforced in or by such courts.
(c) EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES AND, THEREFORE, EACH SUCH PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS
AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT SEEK TO
ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACTION, (II) SUCH PARTY HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (IV) SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT
BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.3.
(d) PARENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
DESIGNATES CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY (IN SUCH CAPACITY, THE
PROCESS AGENT
), WITH AN OFFICE AT 2711 CENTERVILLE ROAD, SUITE
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400, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE AS ITS DESIGNEE, APPOINTEE AND AGENT TO RECEIVE, FOR AND ON ITS BEHALF SERVICE OF PROCESS IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, AND SUCH SERVICE SHALL BE DEEMED COMPLETE UPON DELIVERY THEREOF TO THE PROCESS AGENT;
PROVIDED
THAT IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCH SERVICE UPON THE PROCESS AGENT, THE PARTY
EFFECTING SUCH SERVICE SHALL ALSO DELIVER A COPY THEREOF TO PARENT IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN SECTION 10.6 OF THIS AGREEMENT. PARENT SHALL TAKE ALL SUCH ACTION AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO CONTINUE SAID APPOINTMENT IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT OR TO APPOINT
ANOTHER AGENT SO THAT PARENT WILL AT ALL TIMES HAVE AN AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR THE ABOVE PURPOSES IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. PARENT
EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED TO BE IRREVOCABLE UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Section 10.4.
Expenses
. Except as set forth in Section 9.2, all fees and expenses incurred by the parties hereto in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all legal,accounting, financial advisory and consulting fees and expenses incurred by any party hereto in connection with the
foregoing, shall be the obligation of and paid by the party incurring such fees and expenses;
provided
,
however
, that the fees and expenses incurred or payable by the Company or any Public Fund in connection with obtaining the Public
Fund Consent shall be borne equally by the Company, on the one hand, and Parent, on the other hand (except to the extent such fees and expenses are incurred or become payable by the Company as Parent Expenses in accordance with Section 9.2(e)
of this Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall pay all of the fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the obligations set forth in Section 7.1 and Section 7.2(a), including the filing, printing and mailing of
the Proxy Statement.
Section 10.5.
Severability; Construction
.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement are severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision will not affect the validity or
enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of that provision to any Person or any circumstance, is invalid or unenforceable, (i) a suitable and equitable provision will be
substituted for that provision in order to carry out, so far as may be valid and enforceable, the intent and purpose of the invalid or unenforceable provision, and (ii) the remainder of this Agreement and the application of that provision to
other Persons or circumstances will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, nor will such invalidity or unenforceability affect the validity or enforceability of that provision, or the application of that provision, in any other
jurisdiction.
(b) The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. If any ambiguity or
question of intent arises, this Agreement will be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof will arise favoring or disfavoring any party because of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.
(c) The words hereof, herein and hereunder and words of like import used in this Agreement
shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The table of contents and captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or
interpretation hereof. References to Articles, Sections and Exhibits are to Articles, Sections and Exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits annexed to this Agreement or referred to in this Agreement are incorporated in and
made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full in this Agreement. Any capitalized term used in any Exhibit or the Disclosure Letter but not otherwise defined therein shall have the meaning set forth in this Agreement. Whenever the words
include, includes or including are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words without limitation, whether or not they are in
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fact followed by those words or words of like import. Writing, written and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including
electronic media) in a visible form. References to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of that Person. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including,
respectively.
Section 10.6.
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) on the date of service or delivery if served personally on the party to whom notice is to be given or sent by facsimile transmission
(
provided
confirmation of facsimile transmission is obtained) or (ii) on the day after delivery to Federal Express or similar overnight courier to the party as follows:
If to the Company:
Artio Global Investors Inc.
330 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn: Francis Harte
Facsimile: (212) 682-5524
With a copy to (such copy shall not constitute notice):
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 450 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attn: John D. Amorosi
Facsimile: (212) 701-5010
If to Parent or Merger Sub:
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC 10 Queensland Terrace
Aberdeen,
Scotland AB10 1YG
Attn: Company Secretary
Facsimile: (866) 291-5760
With a copy to (such copy shall not constitute notice):
Willkie
Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019
Attn: David K. Boston
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
Any party may change its address or facsimile
number for the purpose of this Section 10.6 by giving the other party written notice of its new address in the manner set forth above.
Section 10.7.
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement, the Disclosure Letter, the Restated Tax Receivable Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement contain the entire
understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede and replace all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, oral or
written, with regard to such transactions. All Exhibits and Schedules hereto are expressly made a part of this Agreement as fully as though completely set forth herein.
Section 10.8.
Parties in Interest
. Except for the rights to continued indemnification and
insurance pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof (of which the Persons entitled to indemnification or insurance, as the case may be, are the intended beneficiaries following the Effective Time), nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer, and does
not confer, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement (or any breach hereof) on any Persons (including the stockholders of the Company, any Fund or Client or any other Person), other than (a) the parties hereto and their
respective successors and permitted assigns, and (b) the rights of the stockholders to receive the Merger Consideration and the holders of Company Equity Awards to receive the payments set forth
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in Section 2.2, in each case in accordance with this Agreement on and after the Effective Time. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to relieve or discharge the obligations or liability of
any third Persons to the Company, Parent or Merger Sub.
Section 10.9.
Specific
Performance
. The parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to
prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court, in addition to any other remedy to which they are
entitled at law or in equity. The parties further agree not to assert that a remedy of specific enforcement is unenforceable, invalid, contrary to law or inequitable for any reason, nor to assert that a remedy of monetary damages would provide an
adequate remedy for any such breach. Without limiting the foregoing, the parties hereto agree not to oppose a request by any party hereto (as opposed to the stockholders of any such party or any unaffiliated third party) for expedited proceedings
with regard to any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 10.10.
Disclosure Letter
. Any reference in a particular section of the Disclosure
Letter shall only be deemed to be an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) (a) the representations and warranties (or covenants, as applicable) of the Company that are contained in the corresponding section of this
Agreement, and (b) any other representations and warranties (or covenants, as applicable) of the Company that are contained in any other section of this Agreement, but only to the extent that it is reasonably apparent on the face of such
disclosure that such disclosure is applicable to such other section. The inclusion of any information in the Disclosure Letter shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment, in and of itself, that such information is required by the terms
hereof to be disclosed or made available, is material, has resulted in or would result in a Company Material Adverse Effect or is outside the ordinary course of business.
Section 10.11.
Section and Paragraph Headings
. The section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 10.12.
Counterparts
. This
Agreement may be executed in counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute the same instrument.
Section 10.13.
Definitions
. As used in this Agreement:
12b-1 Plan
means any distribution plan adopted by a Public Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
Company Act.
Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement
means a confidentiality agreement that contains
provisions that are no less favorable to the Company than those contained in the Confidentiality Agreement (it being understood that such confidentiality agreement need not contain a dont ask to waive or similar provision in the
standstill provision).
Acquisition Proposal
means any offer or proposal for a merger, reorganization,
recapitalization, consolidation, share exchange, business combination, liquidation, dissolution or other similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries involving, or any proposal or offer to acquire, directly or indirectly,
securities representing more than 15% of the voting power of the Company or more than 15% of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than the Merger contemplated by this Agreement.
Action
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.18.
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Advisers Act
means the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC.
Affiliate
means, with respect to any Person,
any other Person that directly, or through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person;
provided
that no Fund shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or its Affiliates. As
used in this definition, the term control(including the terms controlling, controlled by and under common control with) means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Agreement
shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereto.
Average Parent Share Price
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iii).
Base Date
means January 31, 2013.
Board of
Directors
shall mean the Board of Directors of any specified Person.
Book-Entry Shares
shall
having the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).
Broker-Dealer Subsidiary
shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.16(c).
Business Day
means any day, other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on
which banks are required or authorized to close in the City of New York.
CEA
shall mean the United States
Commodity Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the CFTC.
Certificate
shall
have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).
Certificate of Merger
shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 1.3.
CFTC
shall mean the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Client
means any Person to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries provides investment management or investment
advisory services, including any sub-advisory services, relating to securities or other financial instruments, commodities, real estate or any other type of asset, pursuant to an Investment Advisory Arrangement.
Closing
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.
Closing Date
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.2.
Code
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commodity Pools
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(o).
Common Stock
shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
Company
shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereto.
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Company Acquisition Agreement
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.7(c).
Company Adverse Recommendation Change
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.7(c).
Company Board Recommendation
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.29.
Company Class B Common Stock
means the class B common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company.
Company Class C Common Stock
means the class C common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company.
Company Equity Award
means any equity-based compensation, including any stock option, stock appreciation
right, stock purchase right, restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance share, performance unit, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit, as the case may be.
Company Material Adverse Effect
means any event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, changes,
circumstances, effects, developments or state of facts, (a) has or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), liabilities or results of operations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) has a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
provided
,
however
, that, for purposes of clause (a) immediately above, none of the following and no event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts to the extent attributable to the following shall be deemed to constitute a
Company Material Adverse Effect or shall be taken into account when determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur: (i) general market or general economic conditions in the United States or
abroad; (ii) the announcement, pendency or consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including the impact thereof on the relationships, contractual or otherwise, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with employees or
Clients); (iii) general conditions in the industries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate; (iv) any changes in the trading price or trading volume of the Companys Common Stock or any failure of the Company to meet
analysts estimates, projections or forecasts of revenues, earnings or other financial or business metrics (it being understood that any cause of any such change or failure may be taken into consideration when determining whether a Company
Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur); (v) any change in assets under management or revenue run rate, including as a result of customer or Client attrition, changes in asset valuation or market-price or currency
fluctuations (it being understood that any cause of any such change to the extent arising out of or related to any breach or alleged breach of Law, contractual obligations, guidelines, policies or other similar matters, any misconduct or alleged
misconduct, or any gross negligence or alleged gross negligence (but in the case of gross negligence or alleged gross negligence, only as to the foregoing matters listed in this parenthetical) may be taken into consideration when determining whether
a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur); (vi) war, terrorist act, other armed hostilities, calamities, natural disasters or crisis; or (vii) any change in Law or GAAP (or other accounting principles
or requirements) or the authoritative interpretations or enforcement thereof;
provided further
,
however
, that (x) the exception in clause (ii) above will not be deemed to apply to references to Company Material Adverse Effect
in (A) the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.3 and 3.4, and, to the extent related to Sections 3.3 and 3.4, the condition set forth in Section 8.2(a), and (y) any event, change, circumstance, effect,
development or state of facts referred to in clauses (i), (iii), (vi) or (vii) above shall be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred or is reasonably likely to occur to the extent (but only
to the extent) that such event, change, circumstance, effect, development or state of facts has a disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, compared to other participants in the industries in which the Company
and its Subsidiaries conduct their businesses.
Company Organizational Documents
means the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, together with all amendments thereto.
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Company Owned IP
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.14(a).
Company Preferred Stock
means the preferred stock, no par value per share, of the
Company.
Company Real Property
means any real property covered by a Material Lease under which either the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a lessee.
Company SEC Reports
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.8(a).
Company Securities
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(b).
Company Severance Pay Plan
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(b).
Company Stock Plan
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.6(a).
Company Stockholders Meeting
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Company Subsidiary Securities
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7(b).
Confidentiality Agreement
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
Continuing Employees
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(a).
Contract
means any contract, agreement, license, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, commitment, lease or other
instrument or obligation, whether written or oral.
Derivatives Contracts
shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.16(p).
DGCL
means the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Disclosure Letter
shall have the meaning set forth in Article III.
Dissenting Shares
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.
Effective Time
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.3.
Employee Benefit Plans
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.20(a).
Environmental Laws
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.24(a).
Equity Public Funds
means Artio International Equity Fund and Artio International Equity II Fund, each a series of
Artio Global Investment Funds.
Equity Public Fund Minimum Requirement
means with respect to each Equity
Public Fund, the satisfaction of either of the following conditions: (a) the Public Fund Consent for the Equity Public Fund shall have been obtained; or (b) (1) the Public Fund Board of the Equity Public Fund shall have approved
(x) a new Investment Advisory Arrangement as provided under Section 7.2(b)(i) and (y) an interim Investment Advisory Arrangement in accordance with Rule 15a-4 under the Investment Company Act as provided in the last sentence of
Section 7.2(b), and (2) no less than 40% of the outstanding voting securities of the Equity Public Fund shall have voted or have been otherwise counted towards a quorum with respect to the shareholder meeting called to approve the new
Investment Advisory Arrangement as provided under Section 7.2(b)(ii), with no less than 80% of such outstanding voting securities having voted to approve the new Investment Advisory Arrangement.
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ERISA
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.
Exchange Act
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Exchange Ratio
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iii).
Excluded Shares
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
FINRA
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Fund
means any Public Fund or Private Fund.
Fund Financial Statements
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.13(m).
GAAP
means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, consistently applied.
Governmental Antitrust Authority
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.6(b).
Governmental Entity
means any federal, state, local or foreign governmental, regulatory or administrative authority,
branch, agency or commission or any court, tribunal or judicial body.
GS
shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.25.
HSR Act
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Indemnified Parties
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).
Indemnifying Party
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(a).
Intellectual Property
means all of the following whether registered or unregistered: (a) trademarks and service
marks, trade dress, product configurations, trade names and other indications of origin, applications or registrations in any jurisdiction pertaining to the foregoing and all goodwill associated therewith; (b) inventions (whether or not
patentable), discoveries, improvements, ideas, know-how, formula methodology, processes, technology, software (including password unprotected interpretive code or source code, object code, development documentation, programming tools, drawings,
specifications and data) and applications and patents in any jurisdiction pertaining to the foregoing, including re-issues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions; (c) trade secrets and the right in any
jurisdiction to limit the use or disclosure thereof; (d) copyrighted and copyrightable writings, designs, mask works or other works, applications or registrations in any jurisdiction for the foregoing and all moral rights related thereto;
(e) database rights; (f) domain names; (g) all similar intellectual property rights and (h) claims or causes of action arising out of or related to past, present or future infringement or misappropriation of the foregoing.
Intervening Event
means a material event, fact, circumstance, development or occurrence that affects the
business, assets or operations of the Company that is unknown or an effect of which is unknown to or by the Board of Directors of the Company as of the date of this Agreement, which event, fact, circumstance, development, occurrence or effect
becomes known to or by the Board of Directors of the Company prior to obtaining the Required Company Vote.
Investment Advisory Arrangement
means a Contract under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acts as an
investment advisor or sub-advisor to, or manages any investment or trading account of, any Client.
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Investment Adviser Subsidiary
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.16(b).
Investment Company Act
means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC.
IRS
means the United States Internal Revenue
Service.
Knowledge
means, with respect to the Company, the actual knowledge of the employees of the
Company listed on Section 10.11(a) of the Disclosure Letter after reasonable inquiry of the senior employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who have administrative or operational responsibility for the particular subject matter in
question.
Laws
means any domestic or foreign laws, statutes, ordinances, rules (including rules of common
law), regulations, codes, executive orders or legally enforceable requirements enacted, issued, adopted, promulgated or applied by any Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization that are applicable to the Person or Persons referenced.
Leases
means any lease, sublease or other agreement under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries:
(a) leases, uses, occupies or has the right to use or occupy, any real property, or (b) grants to a third party any right to lease, use or occupy any real property.
Licenses and Permits
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.15.
Lien
means any mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (statutory or other), pledges, security interests, collateral security arrangements, conditional and installment agreements,
restrictions, options, rights of first offer or refusal, preemptive rights, charges, easements, rights-of-way, encroachments or other encumbrances or title imperfections or defects of any kind or nature.
Material Contract
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.19(a).
Material IP Agreements
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(c).
Material Lease
means any Lease that (a) is material to the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, or (b) involves payments by or to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $250,000 per year.
Maximum Premium
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2(b).
Merger
shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
Merger Consideration
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
Merger Sub
shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereto.
Negative Consent Notice
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
NFA
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Notice
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2(a).
NYSE
shall mean The New York Stock Exchange.
New Plans
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c).
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Order
means any order, writ, assessment, decision, injunction, decree,
ruling or judgment of a Governmental Entity or Self-Regulatory Organization, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent.
Parent
shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereto.
Parent Expenses
means all of Parents actual and reasonably documented out of pocket fees and expenses (including
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, accountants, financial advisors or consultants and commitment and funding fees and fees and expenses borne by Parent pursuant to the proviso set forth in Section 10.4 of this Agreement with respect to
the Public Fund Consents) actually incurred by Parent and its Affiliates on or prior to the termination of this Agreement in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the financing thereof, which amount shall not be
greater than $1,000,000.
Parent Material Adverse Effect
means any event, change, circumstance, effect,
development or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, changes, circumstances, effects, developments or state of facts, would prevent or materially impair or delay, or would be reasonably likely to prevent or
materially impair or delay, the ability of Parent or Merger Sub to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Parent Organizational Documents
means the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of Parent, together
with all amendments thereto.
Parent Share
shall mean an ordinary share, nominal value £.10 per
share, of Parent.
Paying Agent
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).
Payment Fund
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a).
Performance-Based RSU
shall mean each Restricted Stock Unit which vests based, in whole or in part, upon any criteria
other than solely by the continued employment of the holder thereof.
Permitted Liens
shall mean
(a) liens for utilities and current Taxes not yet due and payable, (b) mechanics, carriers, workers, repairers, materialmens, warehousemens, lessors, landlords and other similar liens arising
or incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not yet due and payable, (c) liens for Taxes, assessments, or governmental charges or levies on a Persons properties if the same shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter can
be paid without penalty or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which appropriate reserves have been included on the balance sheet of the applicable Person, (d) Liens disclosed on the existing title policies,
title commitments and/or surveys which have been previously provided or made available to Parent, (e) Liens arising out of pledges or deposits under workers compensation laws, unemployment insurance, old age pensions or other social
security or retirement benefits or similar legislation, (f) deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements, (g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade contracts, leases,
statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (h) Liens in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of applicable law
encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) held by such banking institution incurred in the ordinary course of business and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry.
Person
means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated
organization, other entity or group (as defined in the Exchange Act).
Private Fund
means each vehicle for
collective investment (in whatever form of organization, including the form of a corporation, company, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity, and including each separate portfolio or series of any of the
foregoing) (a) that is not registered or required to be
A-61
registered with the SEC as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, and (b) for which the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries acts as the sponsor, general partner,
managing member, trustee, investment manager, investment advisor, investment sub-advisor or in a similar capacity.
Process Agent
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(d).
Proprietary Software
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(f).
Proxy Statement
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.
Public Fund
means each vehicle for collective investment (in whatever form of organization, including the form of a
corporation, company, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity, and including each separate portfolio or series of any of the foregoing) (a) that is registered or required to be registered with the SEC as an
investment company under the Investment Company Act, and (b) for which the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries acts as the sponsor, general partner, managing member, trustee, investment manager, investment advisor, investment sub-advisor
or in a similar capacity.
Public Fund Board
means the board of directors or trustees (or Persons
performing similar functions) of a Public Fund.
Public Fund Consent
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 7.2(b).
Public Fund SEC Documents
means the forms, statements, reports and documents filed by
any Public Fund with, or furnished by any Public Fund to, the SEC pursuant to the Investment Company Act (including any exhibits or amendments thereto).
Registered Intellectual Property
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(b).
Reports
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.16(m).
Restated Tax Receivable Agreement
means that certain Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among U.S. Parent, the Company, Artio Global
Holdings, LLC, Richard C. Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes.
Restricted Stock
shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.2(a)(i).
Restricted Stock Unit
shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2(a)(ii).
Required Company Vote
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.30.
Rollover Award
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iv).
Rollover RSUs
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c).
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(d).
SEC
shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iii).
Section 2.2(a)(iv) Employee
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iv).
A-62
Securities Act
means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Self-Regulatory Organization
shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.4.
Special Committee
shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
Specified Public Funds
means the Artio Total Return Bond Fund and the Artio Global High Income Fund.
Subsidiary
means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or
other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, (a) of which such Person or any other Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner or managing member, or (b) at least a majority of the securities or other interests
of which having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other organization or entity is
directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or by any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries;
provided
that no Fund shall be deemed to be a Subsidiary of the Company or any of its
Affiliates.
Superior Proposal
means any proposal (on its most recently amended or modified terms, if
amended or modified) made by a third party to enter into any transaction involving an Acquisition Proposal that the Board of Directors of the Company (acting upon the recommendation of the Special Committee) determines in its good faith judgment
(after consultation with the Companys outside legal counsel and financial advisor) would be, if consummated, more favorable to the Companys stockholders than this Agreement and the Merger, taking into account all terms and conditions of
such transaction (including any break-up fees, expense reimbursement provision and financial terms, the anticipated timing, conditions and prospects for completion of such transaction, including the prospects for obtaining regulatory approvals and
financing, and any third party approvals), except that the references to 15% in the definition of Acquisition Proposal shall be deemed to be references to 80%. Reference to this Agreement, and
the Merger in this paragraph shall be deemed to include any proposed alteration of the terms of this Agreement or the Merger that are agreed to by Parent pursuant to Section 7.7(d).
Surviving Company
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.
Tax Return
means any return, report, information statement and other documentation (including any additional or
supporting material) filed or maintained, or required to be filed or maintained, in connection with the calculation, determination, assessment, claim for refund or collection of any Tax and shall include any amended return required as a result of an
examination adjustment made by the IRS or other Tax authority.
Taxes
means (a) any and all federal,
state, local, foreign and other taxes, levies, fees, imposts, duties and charges of whatever kind (including any interest, penalties or additions to the tax imposed in connection therewith or with respect thereto), whether or not imposed on the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, taxes imposed on, or measured by, income, franchise, profits or gross receipts, and also ad valorem, value added, sales, use, service, real or personal property, capital stock,
license, payroll, withholding, employment, social security, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, utility, severance, production, excise, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, transfer and gains taxes and customs duties,
whether disputed or not, (b) any liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in (a) as a result of being (or ceasing to be) a member of an affiliated, consolidated, combined or unitary group, and (c) all liabilities
for the payment of any amounts described in (a) or (b) as a result of being a transferee of or successor to any Person, by contract or otherwise.
Termination Date
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1(b).
A-63
Termination Fee
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(b).
Time-Based RSU
shall mean each Restricted Stock Unit which vests based solely upon the continued
employment of the holder thereof.
U.S. Parent
shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
Voting Agreement
shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals hereto.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]
A-64
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement and Plan of Merger to be
executed as of the date first above written.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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/s/ Gary R. Marshall
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Name: Gary R. Marshall
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Title: Authorized Signatory
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GUARDIAN ACQUISITION CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ Jennifer A. Nichols
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Name: Jennifer A. Nichols
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Title: Vice President & Secretary
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
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By:
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/s/ Frank Harte
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Name: Frank Harte
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Title: Chief Financial Officer
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A-65
EXHIBIT A
Form of Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving Company
A-66
Annex B
AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
by and among
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
ARTIO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC
RICHARD C. PELL
and
RUDOLPH-RIAD YOUNES
dated as of February 13, 2013
B-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
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B-3
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Section 1.01
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Definitions
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B-3
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Section 1.02
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Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions
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B-8
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ARTICLE 2 DETERMINATION OF CUMULATIVE REALIZED TAX BENEFIT
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B-8
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Section 2.01
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Basis Adjustment
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B-8
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Section 2.02
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Exchange Basis Schedule
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B-8
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Section 2.03
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Tax Benefit Schedule
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B-9
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Section 2.04
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Procedures, Amendments
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B-9
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ARTICLE 3 TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS
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B-10
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Section 3.01
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Payments for Taxable Years Beginning on or after January 1, 2014
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B-10
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Section 3.02
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Payment for the 2012 Taxable Year and Taxable Year(s) in Calendar Year 2013
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B-10
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Section 3.03
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No Duplicative Payments
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B-10
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Section 3.04
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Pro Rata Payments
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B-11
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ARTICLE 4 TERMINATION
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B-11
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Section 4.01
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Early Termination and Breach of Agreement
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B-11
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Section 4.02
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Early Termination Notice
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B-11
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Section 4.03
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Payment upon Early Termination
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B-12
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ARTICLE 5 SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS
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B-12
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Section 5.01
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Subordination
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B-12
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Section 5.02
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Late Payments by the Corporation
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B-12
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ARTICLE 6 NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION
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B-12
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Section 6.01
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Principal Participation in the Corporations Tax Matters
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B-12
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Section 6.02
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Consistency
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B-12
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Section 6.03
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Cooperation
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B-13
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ARTICLE 7 MISCELLANEOUS
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B-13
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Section 7.01
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Notices
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B-13
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Section 7.02
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Counterparts
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B-14
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Section 7.03
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Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries
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B-14
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Section 7.04
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Governing Law
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B-14
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Section 7.05
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Severability
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B-14
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Section 7.06
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Successors; Assignment; Amendments; and Waivers
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B-14
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Section 7.07
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Titles and Subtitles
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B-15
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Section 7.08
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Resolution of Disputes
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B-15
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Section 7.09
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Reconciliation
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B-16
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Section 7.10
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Withholding
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B-17
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Section 7.11
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Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets
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B-17
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Section 7.12
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Confidentiality
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B-18
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Section 7.13
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Effect of Merger on Prior Agreement
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B-18
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Section 7.14
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Effectiveness: Termination
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B-18
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Section 7.15
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U.S. Subsidiaries
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B-18
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Section 7.16
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Acknowledgment
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B-18
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Section 7.17
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Good Faith and Fair Dealing
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B-18
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Section 7.18
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Assumption Agreement
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B-19
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Section 7.19
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Principals
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B-19
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B-2
AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT (as amended from time to time, this
Agreement
), dated as of
February 13, 2013, is hereby entered into by and among Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Corporation
), Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, a public limited company organized and existing under the laws of
the United Kingdom, solely for purposes of the guarantee provision above its signature line and Section 7.15, (
Guarantor
), Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (
AGI
),
Artio Global Holdings
LLC
, a Delaware limited liability company (
AGH
), Richard C. Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Principals (as defined below) held Class A Units (
Units
) in AGH, which was treated
as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
WHEREAS, the Principals have exchanged their Units (an
Exchange
, and each such date an Exchange occurs, an
Exchange Date
) pursuant to the Exchange Agreement (as defined below) with AGI for shares of Class A common stock of AGI, par value $0.001 per share
(
Class A Shares
), with the concurrent cancellation of an equal number of shares of Class B common stock of AGI, par value $0.001 per share (
Class B Shares
), and AGI now owns 100% of the outstanding Units of AGH
which is, therefore, treated as an entity that is disregarded as separate from its owner for Tax purposes;
WHEREAS, the
assets of AGI and AGH have an increased tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Exchanges;
WHEREAS,
pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Agreement and Plan of Merger among Guarantor, Guardian Acquisition Corporation and AGI, dated as of February 13, 2013 (as the same may be amended, the
Merger
Agreement
), AGI will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation;
WHEREAS, AGI, AGH and the Principals have
entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2009 (the
Original Agreement
) which they desire to amend and restate in its entirety as provided herein, with such amendment and restatement to become
effective upon the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to
make certain arrangements to share any tax benefits realized by the Corporation and AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, as a result of the Exchanges.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01
Definitions
. As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article 1 shall have the
following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
Advisory Firm
means KPMG LLP, or any other accounting firm that is nationally recognized as being expert in Tax
matters and that is appointed by the Board and is reasonably acceptable to the Principals.
B-3
Advisory Firm Letter
means a letter from the Advisory Firm stating that
the relevant schedule, notice or other information to be provided by the Corporation to the Applicable Principal and all supporting schedules and work papers were prepared by the Corporation in good faith.
Affiliate
means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, Controls (as defined below), is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person.
Agreed Rate
means LIBOR plus 100 basis points.
Agreement
is defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
Amended Schedule
is defined in Section 2.04(b).
Applicable Principal
means in respect of that portion of any Tax Benefit Payment that arises from an Exchange or a
deemed Exchange pursuant to clause (v) of the definition of
Valuation Assumptions
, the Exchanging Principal or Principal deemed to Exchange, as applicable.
Basis Adjustment
means the adjustment to the Tax basis of an Exchange Asset as a result of an Exchange and the
payments made pursuant to this Agreement, as calculated under Section 2.01, under Section 732(b) of the Code or Sections 743(b) and 754 of the Code or otherwise, as applicable, and, in each case, comparable sections of state, local and
foreign Tax laws.
A
Beneficial Owner
of a security means a Person who directly or indirectly, through any
contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose
of, or to direct the disposition of, such security. The terms
Beneficially Own
and
Beneficial Ownership
shall have correlative meanings.
Board
means the board of directors of the Corporation.
Business Day
means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the
government of the United States of America or the State of New York shall not be regarded as a Business Day.
Class A
Shares
is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Code
means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended.
Control
means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Corporation
is defined in the Preamble of this Agreement.
Corporation Return
means the U.S. federal, state, local and/or foreign Tax Return, as applicable, of the Corporation
or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, filed with respect to Taxes for any Taxable Year.
Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit
for a Taxable Year means the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Benefits for all Taxable Years of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate
state or local income tax return filed by AGI, up to and including such Taxable Year, net of the cumulative amount of Realized Tax Detriments for the same period. The Realized Tax Benefit and Realized Tax Detriment for each Taxable Year shall be
determined based on the most recent Tax Benefit Schedule or Amended Schedule, if any, in existence at the time of such determination.
B-4
Default Rate
means LIBOR plus 300 basis points.
Determination
shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of
state, local and foreign Tax law, as applicable, or any other event (including the execution of a Form 870-AD) that finally and conclusively establishes the amount of any liability for Tax.
Dispute
is defined in Section 7.08(a).
Early Termination Date
means the date of an Early Termination Notice for purposes of determining the Early Termination Payment.
Early Termination Notice
is defined in Section 4.02.
Early
Termination Schedule
is defined in Section 4.02.
Early
Termination Payment
is defined in Section 4.03(b).
Early Termination Rate
means the long-term Treasury rate in effect on the applicable date.
Exchange
is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement;
Exchanged
and
Exchanging
shall have correlative meanings.
Exchange Act
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exchange Agreement
means the exchange agreement by and among AGI, the Principals and the other parties
thereto dated September 29, 2009, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
Exchange Assets
means each asset that is held by AGH, or by any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries that is treated
as a partnership or disregarded entity for purposes of the applicable Tax, at the time of an Exchange.
Exchange
Basis Schedule
is defined in Section 2.02.
Exchange Date
is defined in the Recitals of this
Agreement.
Exchange Payment
is defined in Section 5.01.
Expert
is defined in Section 7.09.
Hypothetical Tax Liability
means, with respect to any Taxable Year, the liability for Taxes of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed
by AGI, but using the Non-Stepped Up Tax Basis instead of the Tax basis of the Exchange Assets and excluding any deduction attributable to Imputed Interest.
Imputed Interest
shall mean any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code and any similar provision of state, local and foreign Tax law with
respect to AGIs payments prior to the Effective Time and the Corporations payment obligations, in each case under this Agreement.
Initiating Party
is defined in Section 7.08(a).
IPO
means the initial public offering of the Class A Shares of AGI.
B-5
IRS
means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
LIBOR
means for each month (or portion thereof) during any period, an interest rate per annum equal to the rate per
annum reported, on the date two days prior to the first day of such month, as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of LIBOR) for London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits for such month (or
portion thereof).
LLC Agreement
means, with respect to AGH, the Amended and Restated Limited Liability
Company Agreement dated September 29, 2009, among AGI, the Principals and the other parties thereto, as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
Market Value
means, with respect to the Class A Shares, on any given date: (i) if the Class A Shares
are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price per share of the Class A Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on that date (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price), (ii) if the
Class A Shares are not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) as reported on that date in composite transactions for the principal
national securities exchange registered pursuant to Section 6(g) of the Exchange Act, on which the Class A Shares are listed, (iii) if the Class A Shares are not so listed on a national securities exchange, the last quoted bid
price for the Class A Shares on that date in the over-the-counter market as reported by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization, or (iv) if the Class A Shares are not so quoted by Pink Sheets LLC or a similar organization such value
as the Board, in its sole discretion, shall determine in good faith.
Material Objection Notice
has the
meaning set forth in Section 4.02.
Non
-
Stepped Up Tax Basis
means, with respect to any asset
at any time, the Tax basis that such asset would have had at such time if no Basis Adjustment had been made.
Notice
is defined in Section 7.01.
Objection Notice
is defined in Section 2.04(a).
Panel
is defined in Section 7.08(a).
Payment Date
means any date on which a payment is required to be made pursuant to this Agreement.
Permitted Transferee
shall mean any of the Permitted Transferees (as defined in the LLC Agreement).
Person
means any individual, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, estate, trust, business association, organization, governmental entity or other
entity.
Principal
means each of Richard C. Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, and any other Person that becomes
a Principal pursuant to Section 7.06.
Realized Tax Benefit
means, for a Taxable Year and for all
Taxes collectively, the net excess, if any, of the Hypothetical Tax Liability over the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, determined, for the avoidance of
doubt, using the with or without methodology. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, for the Taxable Year arises as a
result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Benefit unless and until there has been a Determination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,
the calculation of Realized Tax Benefit shall not reflect any Basis Adjustment with respect to an Exchange Asset which was amortized or depreciated (whether or not utilized) in any taxable year ending on or before December 31, 2013.
B-6
Realized Tax Detriment
means, for a Taxable Year and for all Taxes
collectively, the net excess, if any, of the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Taxable Year determined, for the
avoidance of doubt, using the with or without methodology. If all or a portion of the actual liability for Taxes of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, for the Taxable Year
arises as a result of an audit by a Taxing Authority of any Taxable Year, such liability shall not be included in determining the Realized Tax Detriment unless and until there has been a Determination.
Reconciliation Dispute
has the meaning set forth in Section 7.09.
Reconciliation Procedures
means those procedures set forth in Section 7.09.
Responding Party
is defined in Section 7.08(a).
Schedule
means any Exchange Basis Schedule or Tax Benefit Schedule and the Early Termination Schedule.
Senior Obligations
is defined in Section 5.01.
Subsidiaries
means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such
Person, owns, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controls more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or the sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such Person.
Tax
means any and all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax, assessments or similar charges that are based on or
measured with respect to net income or profits, whether as an exclusive or on an alternative basis, and any interest related to such tax.
Tax Benefit Payment
is defined in Section 3.01(b).
Tax Benefit Schedule
is defined in Section 2.03.
Tax Return
means any return, declaration, report or similar statement required to be filed with respect to Taxes
(including any attached schedules), including any information return, claim for refund, amended return and declaration of estimated Tax.
Taxable Year
means a Taxable year as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of state, local or foreign Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the
avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is prepared) of the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, beginning on or after January 1, 2014, in
which there is a Basis Adjustment or increased depreciation, amortization or interest deductions attributable to an Exchange.
Taxing Authority
means any domestic, foreign, federal, national, state, county or municipal or other local government,
any subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof, or any quasi-governmental body exercising any Taxing authority or any other authority exercising Tax regulatory authority.
Treasury Regulations
means the final, temporary and proposed regulations under the Code promulgated from time to time
(including corresponding provisions and succeeding provisions) as in effect for the relevant Taxable period.
Units
is defined in the Recitals of this Agreement.
Valuation Assumptions
means, as of an Early Termination Date, the assumptions that (i) in each Taxable Year
ending on or after such Early Termination Date, the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or
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local income tax return filed by AGI, will have sufficient Taxable income to fully offset the deductions in such Taxable Year attributable to any Basis Adjustment, increased depreciation or
amortization deductions attributable to an Exchange, and Imputed Interest, subject, in each case, to any limitations on the utilization of such Tax items under applicable law, including any such limitations that arise as a result of the Merger (as
defined in the Merger Agreement), (ii) the U.S. federal income Tax rates and state, local and foreign income Tax rates that will be in effect for each such Taxable Year will be those specified for each such Taxable Year by the Code and other
law as in effect on the Early Termination Date, (iii) any loss carryovers generated by any Basis Adjustment or Imputed Interest and available as of the date of the Early Termination Schedule will be used by the Corporation or AGI, in the case
of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, on a pro rata basis from the date of the Early Termination Schedule through the scheduled expiration date of such loss carryovers, (iv) any non- amortizable assets will be disposed of
on the fifteenth anniversary of the Early Termination Date.
Section 1.02
Other Definitional and
Interpretative Provisions
. The words hereof, herein and hereunder and words of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement.
References to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules are to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits and Schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and
made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit or Schedule but not otherwise defined therein, shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be
deemed to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. Whenever the words include, includes or including are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words without
limitation, whether or not they are in fact followed by those words or words of like import. Writing, written and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic
media) in a visible form. References to any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof. References to any Person include the successors and
permitted assigns of that Person. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including, respectively.
ARTICLE 2
DETERMINATION OF CUMULATIVE REALIZED TAX BENEFIT
Section 2.01
Basis Adjustment
.
(a)
Exchange Assets
. For purposes of this Agreement, as a result of the Exchanges, AGI is entitled to a Basis Adjustment for each
Exchange Asset, the amount of which Basis Adjustment is the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (x) the Market Value of the Class A Shares, cash or the amount of any other consideration transferred to the Applicable Principal pursuant
to the Exchange as payment for the exchanged Units, to the extent attributable to such Exchange Assets, plus (y) the amount of payments made pursuant to this Agreement with respect to such Exchange, to the extent attributable to such Exchange
Assets, plus (z) the amount of debt and other liabilities allocated to the Units acquired pursuant to such Exchange, to the extent attributable to such Exchange Assets; over (ii) AGIs share of AGHs (or such subsidiary
partnerships) basis for such Exchange Assets immediately after the Exchange, attributable to the Units exchanged, determined as if (x) AGH (or such subsidiary partnership) were to remain in existence as an entity for Tax purposes and
(y) AGH (or such subsidiary partnership) had not made the election provided by Section 754 of the Code.
(b)
Imputed Interest
. For the avoidance of doubt, payments made under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest.
Section 2.02
Exchange Basis Schedule
. Within 45 calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income
Tax return of the Corporation for each Taxable Year, the Corporation shall deliver to each Principal a schedule (the
Exchange Basis Schedule
) that shows, in reasonable detail, for purposes of federal income Taxes, (a) the
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actual unadjusted Tax basis of the Exchange Assets as of each applicable Exchange Date, (b) the Basis Adjustment with respect to the Exchange Assets as a result of the Exchanges effected in
such Taxable Year, calculated in the aggregate, (c) the period or periods, if any, over which the Exchange Assets are amortizable and/or depreciable and (d) the period or periods, if any, over which each Basis Adjustment is amortizable
and/or depreciable (which, for non-amortizable assets, shall be based on the Valuation Assumptions). The parties expect that all or substantially all of the Basis Adjustment with respect to the Exchange Assets will relate to good will and/or going
concern value, which adjustment will be amortized over 15 years for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Section
2.03
Tax Benefit Schedule
. Within 45 calendar days after the filing of the U.S. federal income Tax return of the Corporation for any Taxable Year, the Corporation shall provide to each Principal a schedule showing, in
reasonable detail, the calculation of the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year or, if applicable, a schedule showing, in reasonable detail, that there is no Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment (a
Tax Benefit Schedule
). The Tax Benefit Schedule will become final as provided in Section 2.04(a) and may be amended as provided in Section 2.04(b) (subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.04(b)).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Corporation may seek, at its own expense, an opinion from a nationally recognized law firm or accounting firm regarding whether any Basis Adjustment with respect to Exchange Assets will
result in any amortization or depreciation being available to the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return filed by AGI, and the Corporation or AGI, in the case of a separate state or local income tax return
filed by AGI, shall be permitted to rely on such opinion in creating any Tax Benefit Schedule.
Section
2.04
Procedures, Amendments
.
(a)
Procedure
. Every time the Corporation delivers to the
Applicable Principal an applicable Schedule under this Agreement, including any Amended Schedule delivered pursuant to Section 2.04(b), but excluding any Early Termination Schedule or amended Early Termination Schedule, the Corporation shall
also (i) deliver to the Applicable Principal schedules and work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the preparation of such Schedule and an Advisory Firm Letter supporting such Schedule and (ii) allow the Applicable Principal
reasonable access, at no cost to the Applicable Principal, to the appropriate representatives at the Corporation and the Advisory Firm in connection with a review of such Schedule. The applicable Schedule shall become final and binding on all
parties unless the Applicable Principal, within 30 calendar days after receiving an Exchange Basis Schedule or amendment thereto or a Tax Benefit Schedule or amendment thereto, provides the Corporation with notice of a material objection to such
Schedule (
Objection Notice
) made in good faith. If the parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within 30 calendar days of receipt by the Corporation of an Objection Notice with
respect to such Exchange Basis Schedule or Tax Benefit Schedule, the Corporation and the Applicable Principal shall employ the reconciliation procedures as described in Section 7.09 (the
Reconciliation Procedures
).
(b)
Amended Schedule
. The applicable Schedule for any Taxable Year may be amended from time to time by the Corporation
(i) in connection with a Determination affecting such Schedule, (ii) to correct material inaccuracies in the Schedule identified as a result of the receipt of additional factual information relating to a Taxable Year after the date the
Schedule was provided to the Applicable Principal, (iii) to comply with the Experts determination under the Reconciliation Procedures, (iv) to reflect a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such
Taxable Year attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other Tax item to such Taxable Year, (v) to reflect a material change in the Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment for such Taxable Year attributable to an amended
Tax Return filed for such Taxable Year, or (vi) to adjust the Exchange Basis Schedule to take into account payments made pursuant to this Agreement (such Schedule, an
Amended Schedule
).
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ARTICLE 3
TAX BENEFIT PAYMENTS
Section 3.01
Payments for Taxable
Years Beginning on or after January 1, 2014
.
(a) Within ten business days of a Tax Benefit Schedule that was
delivered to an Applicable Principal becoming final in accordance with Section 2.04(a), the Corporation shall pay to the Applicable Principal for such Taxable Year the Tax Benefit Payment determined pursuant to Section 3.01(b). Each such
Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account of the Applicable Principal previously designated by such Principal to the Corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, no Tax Benefit Payment shall be
made in respect of estimated Tax payments, including U.S. federal income Tax payments.
(b) A
Tax Benefit
Payment
means an amount, not less than zero, equal to (i) 100% of the Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount until the Principals have received 85% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit, then (ii) 0% of the Net Tax Benefit
and the Interest Amount, until the Corporation has received 15% of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit and, thereafter, (iii) 85% of the sum of the Net Tax Benefit and the Interest Amount. The
Net
Tax Benefit
for
each Taxable Year shall be an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit as of the end of such Taxable Year over the total amount of payments previously made under this Section 3.01, excluding payments
attributable to the Interest Amount;
provided, however
, that for the avoidance of doubt, no Principal shall be required to return any portion of any previously received Tax Benefit Payment under any circumstances. The
Interest
Amount
for a given Taxable Year shall equal the interest on the Net Tax Benefit for such Taxable Year calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without regard to extensions) for filing the Corporation Return with respect to Taxes
for the most recently ended Taxable Year until the Payment Date.
Section 3.02
Payment for the 2012
Taxable Year and Taxable Year(s) in Calendar Year 2013
.
(a) Any amounts due and owing to the Principals pursuant to the
Original Agreement with respect to Imputed Interest and the Basis Adjustment that is amortizable or depreciable for the 2012 taxable year which have not been paid on or prior to the Closing Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) shall be paid
(i) within 30 days of the filing of AGIs 2012 tax returns, with respect to tax savings related to the 2012 taxable year, and (ii) within 10 days of the filing of AGIs 2012 U.S. federal income tax return, with respect to tax
refunds from the carryback of the 2012 net operating loss to the 2011 taxable year. For the avoidance of doubt, the Principals will be paid 95% of the amount due to them with respect to the 2012 taxable year on March 15, 2013, this amount is
estimated to be $4.9 million, and the amount to be paid to them with respect to the tax refund from the 2011 taxable year is estimated to be $2.4 million.
(b) Solely for purposes of the taxable years of AGI that begin on or after January 1, 2013 and end on or prior to December 31, 2013, the Corporation shall pay to the Principals on the Closing
Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement) 85% of 35% of the amount of the Imputed Interest and the Basis Adjustment that is amortizable or depreciable for such taxable years pursuant to U.S. federal income tax law. For the avoidance of doubt, the
estimated amount of such amortizable amount and Imputed Interest is, in the aggregate, $19.8 million and the estimated amount of the payment to be made to the Principals is, therefore, $7.0 million in the aggregate.
Section 3.03
No Duplicative Payments
. It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement will not result
in duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) required under this Agreement. Subject to the priority set forth in Section 3.01(b), it is also intended that the provisions of this Agreement will result in 85% of the
Corporations Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit, or AGIs Cumulative Net Realized Tax Benefit, as applicable, and the Interest Amount thereon, being paid to the Principals pursuant to this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement
shall be construed in the appropriate manner to achieve these fundamental results.
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Section 3.04
Pro Rata Payments
. For the avoidance of
doubt, to the extent that (i) the Corporations deductions or AGIs deductions, as applicable, with respect to any Basis Adjustment are limited in a particular Taxable Year or (ii) the Corporation lacks sufficient funds to
satisfy or is prevented under any credit agreement or other arrangement from satisfying its obligations to make all Tax Benefit Payments due in a particular Taxable Year, the limitation on the deduction, or the Tax Benefit Payments that may be made,
as the case may be, shall be taken into account or made for the Applicable Principal in the same proportion as Tax Benefit Payments would have been made absent the limitations in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 3.04, as
applicable.
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION
Section 4.01
Early Termination and
Breach of Agreement
.
(a) The Corporation may terminate this Agreement at any time by paying to the Principals the Early
Termination Payment;
provided, however
, that this Agreement shall terminate only upon the receipt of the Early Termination Payment by all Principals, and
provided, further
, that the Corporation may withdraw any notice to execute its
termination rights under this Section 4.01(a) prior to the time at which any Early Termination Payment has been paid. Upon payment of the Early Termination Payments by the Corporation, neither the Principals nor the Corporation shall have any
further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than for any (i) Tax Benefit Payment agreed by the Corporation acting in good faith and the Applicable Principal to be due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and
(ii) Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (ii) is included in the Early Termination Payment).
(b) In the event that the Corporation breaches any of its material obligations under this Agreement, whether as a result of failure to
make any payment when due, failure to honor any other material obligation required hereunder or by operation of law as a result of the rejection of this Agreement in a case commenced under the Bankruptcy Code, Title 11, U.S.C., or otherwise, then
all obligations hereunder shall be accelerated and such obligations shall be calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of such breach and shall include, but shall not be limited to, (i) the Early Termination
Payment calculated as if an Early Termination Notice had been delivered on the date of a breach, (ii) any Tax Benefit Payment agreed by the Corporation acting in good faith and any Applicable Principal to be due and payable but unpaid as of the
date of a breach, and (iii) any Tax Benefit Payment due for the Taxable Year ending with or including the date of a breach. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Corporation breaches this Agreement, the Principals shall be
entitled to elect to receive the amounts set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above or to seek specific performance of the terms hereof. The parties agree that the failure to make any payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three
months of the date such payment is due shall be deemed to be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement, and that it shall not be considered to be a breach of a material obligation under this Agreement
to make a payment due pursuant to this Agreement within three months of the date such payment is due.
(c) The Corporation,
AGH and each of the Principals hereby acknowledge that, as of the date of this Agreement, the aggregate value of the Tax Benefit Payments cannot reasonably be ascertained for U.S. federal income Tax or other applicable Tax purposes.
Section 4.02
Early Termination Notice
. If the Corporation chooses to exercise its right of early
termination under Section 4.01 above, the Corporation shall deliver to each present or former Principal a notice of such intention to exercise such right (
Early Termination Notice
) and a schedule (the
Early
Termination Schedule
) specifying the Corporations intention to exercise such right and showing in reasonable detail the calculation of the Early Termination Payment. The Early Termination Schedule shall become final and binding on
all parties unless an Applicable Principal, within 30 calendar days after receiving the Early Termination Schedule, provides the
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Corporation with notice of a material objection to such Schedule made in good faith (
Material Objection Notice
). If the parties, for any reason, are unable to successfully
resolve the issues raised in such notice within 30 calendar days after receipt by the Corporation of the Material Objection Notice, the Corporation and the relevant Principal shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures as described in
Section 7.09 of this Agreement.
Section 4.03
Payment upon Early Termination
.
(a) Within ten Business Days after the Early Termination Schedule has become final and binding, the Corporation shall pay to
each Applicable Principal an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by the Applicable Principal.
(b) The
Early Termination Payment
as of the date of the delivery of an Early Termination Schedule shall equal with
respect to the Applicable Principal the present value, discounted at the Early Termination Rate as of such date, of all Tax Benefit Payments that would be required to be paid by the Corporation to the Applicable Principal beginning from the Early
Termination Date and assuming that the Valuation Assumptions are applied.
ARTICLE 5
SUBORDINATION AND LATE PAYMENTS
Section 5.01
Subordination
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be
made by the Corporation to the Principals under this Agreement (an
Exchange Payment
) shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any obligations
in respect of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries (
Senior Obligations
) and shall rank pari passu with all current or future unsecured obligations of the Corporation that are not Senior
Obligations.
Section 5.02
Late Payments by the Corporation
. The amount of all or any
portion of any Exchange Payment not made to any Principal when due (without regard to Section 5.01) under the terms of this Agreement shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Default Rate and commencing from the date
on which such Exchange Payment was due and payable.
ARTICLE 6
NO DISPUTES; CONSISTENCY; COOPERATION
Section 6.01
Principal Participation in the Corporations Tax Matters
. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporation shall have full responsibility for, and
sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Corporation shall notify each relevant Principal of, and keep such Principal reasonably informed with respect to the portion of any audit of the Corporation and its subsidiaries by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably
expected to affect the amount of any Basis Adjustment and shall provide to such Principal reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to the Corporation, its subsidiaries and their respective advisors concerning the conduct of any
such portion of such audit.
Section 6.02
Consistency
. Except upon the written advice of an
Advisory Firm or except to the extent the Corporations reporting as described herein may cause the gain recognized by an Applicable Principal from an Exchange to be treated as ordinary income or short-term capital gain, the Corporation and the
Applicable Principal agree to report and cause to be reported for all purposes, including U.S. federal, state, local and foreign Tax purposes and financial reporting purposes, all Tax-related items (including the Basis Adjustment and each
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Tax Benefit Payment) in a manner consistent with that specified by the Corporation in any Schedule required to be provided by or on behalf of the Corporation under this Agreement. Any Dispute
concerning such advice shall be subject to the terms of Section 7.09. In the event that an Advisory Firm is replaced, such replacement Advisory Firm shall be required to perform its services under this Agreement using procedures and
methodologies consistent with the previous Advisory Firm, unless (a) otherwise required by law or (b) the Corporation and the Applicable Principal agree to the use of other procedures and methodologies.
Section 6.03
Cooperation
. The Applicable Principal shall (a) furnish to the Corporation in a
timely manner such information, documents and other materials as the Corporation may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or
defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make itself available to the Corporation and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as the Corporation or
its representatives may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter described in clause (a) above. The Corporation shall
reimburse the Applicable Principal for any reasonable third-party costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this Section 6.03.
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.01
Notices
. Any notice, request, claim, demand, approval, consent, waiver or other
communication required or permitted to be given to any party in connection with this Agreement (each, a
Notice
) shall be in writing and shall be (a) delivered in person, (b) sent by facsimile transmission (with the
original thereof also contemporaneously given by another method specified in this Section 7.01), (c) sent by a nationally-recognized overnight courier service, or (d) sent by certified or registered mail (postage prepaid, return
receipt requested), at the following locations (or at such other location for a party as shall be specified to the other parties by like Notice). Any Notice shall only be duly given and effective upon receipt (or refusal of receipt).
If to the Corporation, to:
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.
1735 Market Street
32nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Attention: Legal Department
with a copy to:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019-6099
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
Attention: Christopher J. Peters, Esq.
David K.
Boston, Esq.
if to Richard C. Pell, to:
Richard C. Pell
c/o Artio Global Holdings, LLC
330 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
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with a copy to:
Proskauer Rose LLP
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
Facsimile: (212) 969-3459
Attention: Alan P. Parnes, Esq.
James P.
Gerkis, Esq.
if to Rudolph-Riad Younes, to:
Rudolph-Riad Younes
c/o Artio Global Holdings, LLC
330 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
with a copy to:
Proskauer Rose LLP
1585 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
Facsimile: (212) 969-3459
Attention: Alan P. Parnes, Esq.
James P.
Gerkis, Esq.
Section 7.02
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed (including by
facsimile transmission) with counterpart signature pages or in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall, taken together, be deemed to be one and the same instrument.
Section 7.03
Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries
. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement among the parties hereto and upon its effectiveness as provided in Section 7.14 supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Nothing in
this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns, any rights or remedies hereunder.
Section 7.04
Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof that would mandate the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
Section 7.05
Severability
. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, all other terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of
the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in
good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest
extent possible.
Section 7.06
Successors; Assignment; Amendments; and Waivers
.
(a) No Principal may assign this Agreement to any person without the prior written consent of the Corporation;
provided, however
,
that once an Exchange has occurred, any and all payments that may become
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payable to a Principal pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Exchanged Units may be assigned to any Person or Persons as long as any such Person has executed and delivered, or, in
connection with such assignment, executes and delivers, a joinder to this Agreement, in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit A to this Agreement, agreeing to be bound by Section 7.12 and acknowledging specifically the terms of
Section 7.06(b).
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.06, no assignee described in the
proviso of Section 7.06(a) shall have any rights under this Agreement except for the right to enforce its right to receive payments under this Agreement.
(c) Except with respect to Section 7.19, no provision of this Agreement may be amended unless such amendment is approved in writing by each of the Corporation and by Principals who would be entitled
to receive at least two-thirds of the Early Termination Payments payable to all Principals hereunder if the Corporation had exercised its right of early termination on the date of the most recent Exchange prior to such amendment (excluding, for
purposes of this sentence, all payments made to any Principal pursuant to this Agreement since the date of such most recent Exchange);
provided, however
, that no such amendment shall be effective if such amendment would have a
disproportionate effect on the payments certain Principals will or may receive under this Agreement unless all such Principals disproportionately effected consent in writing to such amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be waived unless such
waiver is in writing and signed by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective.
(d) Except as otherwise specifically
provided herein, all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors,
administrators and legal representatives. The Corporation shall require and cause any direct or indirect successor (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Corporation, by
written agreement, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.
Section 7.07
Titles and Subtitles
. The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are
for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.
Section 7.08
Resolution of Disputes
.
(a) Any and all claims, disputes and other disagreements arising hereunder (each, a
Dispute
) which are not governed by
Section 7.09, including any ancillary claims of any party, arising out of, relating to or in connection with the validity, negotiation, execution, interpretation, performance or non- performance of this Agreement (including the validity, scope
and enforceability of this Section 7.08 and Section 7.09) shall be governed by this Section 7.08. The parties hereto shall attempt in good faith to resolve all Disputes by negotiation. If a Dispute between the parties hereto cannot be
resolved in such manner, such Dispute shall, at the request of any party, after providing written notice to the other party or parties to the Dispute, be submitted to arbitration in New York in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association then in effect. The proceeding shall be confidential. The party initially asserting the Dispute (the
Initiating Party
) shall notify the other party (the
Responding Party
) of the
name and address of the arbitrator chosen by the Initiating Party and shall specifically describe the Dispute in issue to be submitted to arbitration. Within 30 days of receipt of such notification, the Responding Party shall notify the Initiating
Party of its answer to the Dispute, any counterclaim which it wishes to assert in the arbitration and the name and address of the arbitrator chosen by the Responding Party. If the Responding Party does not appoint an arbitrator during such 30-day
period, appointment of the second arbitrator shall be made by the American Arbitration Association upon request of the Initiating Party. The two arbitrators so chosen or appointed shall choose a third arbitrator, who shall serve as president of the
panel of arbitrators (the
Panel
) thus composed. If the two arbitrators so chosen or appointed fail to agree upon the choice of a third arbitrator within 30 days from the
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appointment of the second arbitrator, the third arbitrator will be appointed by the American Arbitration Association upon the request of the arbitrators or either of the parties. In all cases,
the arbitrators must be persons who have substantial experience in tax matters and are lawyers admitted to the practice of law in the State of New York. The arbitrators will act by majority decisions. Any decision of the arbitrators shall
(i) be rendered in writing and shall bear the signatures of at least two arbitrators, and (ii) identify the members of the Panel, and the time and place of the award granted. Absent fraud or manifest error, any such decision of the Panel
shall be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration and enforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction. The expenses of the arbitration shall be borne equally by the parties to the arbitration; provided, however, that each
party shall pay for and bear the costs of its own experts, evidence and legal counsel, unless the arbitrator rules otherwise in the arbitration. The parties shall complete all discovery within 30 days after the Panel is composed, shall complete the
presentation of evidence to the Panel within 15 days after the completion of discovery, and a final decision with respect to the matter submitted to arbitration shall be rendered within 15 days after the completion of presentation of evidence. The
parties hereto shall cause to be kept a record of the proceedings of any matter submitted to arbitration hereunder. Performance under this Agreement shall continue if reasonably possible during any arbitration proceedings. In addition to monetary
damages, the arbitrator shall be empowered to award equitable relief, including an injunction and specific performance of any obligation under this Agreement. The arbitrator is not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages, and
each party hereby irrevocably waives any right to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages with respect to any Dispute. The award shall be the sole and exclusive remedy between the parties regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues, or
accounting presented to the arbitral tribunal. Judgment upon any award may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction over a party or any of its assets.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.08(a), the Corporation may bring an action or special proceeding in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of compelling a party to
arbitrate, seeking temporary or preliminary relief in aid of an arbitration hereunder, and/or enforcing an arbitration award and, for the purposes of this Section 7.08(b), each Principal (i) expressly consents to the application of
Section 7.08(c) to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be
inadequate, and (iii) irrevocably appoints the Corporation as such Principals agent for service of process in connection with any such action or proceeding and agrees that service of process upon such agent, who shall promptly advise such
Principal in writing of any such service of process, shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Principal in any such action or proceeding.
(c) The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby that is brought in accordance with Section 7.08(b) shall be brought and maintained exclusively in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York or the Supreme Court of the State of New York located
in the County of New York. Each of the parties irrevocably consents to submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding. Process in any such suit, action or
proceeding in such courts may be served, and shall be effective, on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court, by any of the methods specified for the giving of Notices pursuant to
Section 7.01. Each of the parties irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection or defense that it may now or hereafter have based on venue, inconvenience of forum, the lack of personal jurisdiction and the adequacy
of service of process (as long as the party was provided Notice in accordance with the methods specified in Section 7.01) in any suit action or proceeding brought in such courts. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL
RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING SEEKING TO ENFORCE ANY PROVISION OF, OR BASED ON ANY MATTER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 7.09
Reconciliation
. In the event that the Corporation and the relevant Principal are unable
to resolve a disagreement with respect to the matters governed by Sections 2.04, 4.02 and 6.02 within the relevant period designated in this Agreement (
Reconciliation Dispute
), the Reconciliation Dispute shall be submitted
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for determination to a nationally recognized expert (the
Expert
) in the particular area of disagreement mutually acceptable to both parties. The Expert shall be a partner in a
nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm (other than the Advisory Firm), and the Expert shall not, and the firm that employs the Expert shall not, have any material relationship with either the Corporation or the relevant Principal or
other actual or potential conflict of interest. If the parties are unable to agree on an Expert within 15 days of receipt by the respondent(s) of written notice of a Reconciliation Dispute, the Expert shall be appointed by the International Chamber
of Commerce Centre for Expertise. The Expert shall resolve any matter relating to the Exchange Basis Schedule or an amendment thereto or the Early Termination Schedule or an amendment thereto within 30 calendar days and shall resolve any matter
relating to a Tax Benefit Schedule or an amendment thereto within 15 calendar days or as soon thereafter as is reasonably practicable, in each case after the matter has been submitted to the Expert for resolution. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, if the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement would be due (in the absence of such disagreement) or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, the undisputed amount shall be
paid on such date and such Tax Return may be filed as prepared by the Corporation, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution. In the event that this reconciliation provision is utilized, the fees of the Expert shall be paid in proportion to
the manner in which the dispute is resolved, such that, for example, if the entire dispute is resolved in favor of the Corporation, the relevant Principal shall pay all of the fees, or if the items in dispute are resolved 50% in favor of the
Corporation and 50% in favor of the relevant Principal, each of the Corporation and the relevant Principal shall pay 50% of the fees of the Expert. Any Dispute as to whether a Dispute is a Reconciliation Dispute within the meaning of this
Section 7.09 shall be decided by the Expert. The Expert shall finally determine any Reconciliation Dispute and the determinations of the Expert pursuant to this Section 7.09 shall be binding on the Corporation and the relevant Principal
and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction.
Section 7.10
Withholding
. The Corporation shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment
payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as the Corporation is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code or any provision of state, local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that amounts are so
withheld and paid over to the appropriate Taxing Authority by the Corporation, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Applicable Principal.
Section 7.11
Admission of the Corporation into a Consolidated Group; Transfers of Corporate Assets
.
(a) For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that the Corporation is a member and parent of one or more affiliated
or consolidated groups of corporations that file a consolidated income tax return pursuant to Sections 1501,
et. seq
. of the Code and corresponding provisions of state and local law and that (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be
applied with respect to each group as a whole and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated Taxable income of each group as a whole.
(b) If the Corporation or AGI becomes a member of another affiliated or consolidated group of corporations that files a
consolidated income Tax return pursuant to Sections 1501,
et seq
. of the Code or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign law, then: (i) the provisions of this Agreement shall be applied with respect to such group as a
whole; and (ii) Tax Benefit Payments, Early Termination Payments and other applicable items hereunder shall be computed with reference to the consolidated Taxable income of such group as a whole.
(c) If any entity that is obligated to make an Exchange Payment hereunder transfers one or more assets to a corporation with which such
entity does not file a consolidated Tax return pursuant to Section 1501 of the Code, such entity, for purposes of calculating the amount of any Exchange Payment (e.g., calculating the gross income of the entity and determining the Realized Tax
Benefit of such entity) due hereunder, shall be treated as having disposed of such asset in a fully Taxable transaction on the date of such contribution. The consideration deemed to be received by such entity shall be equal to the fair market value
of the contributed asset, plus (i) the amount of debt to which such asset is subject, in the case of a contribution of an encumbered asset or (ii) the amount of debt allocated to such asset, in the case of a contribution of a partnership
interest.
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Section 7.12
Confidentiality
.
(a) Each Principal and assignee acknowledges and agrees that the information of the Corporation and of its Affiliates is confidential
and, except in the course of performing any duties as necessary for the Corporation and its Affiliates, as required by law or legal process or to enforce the terms of this Agreement, such person shall keep and retain in the strictest confidence and
not disclose to any Person any confidential matters, acquired pursuant to this Agreement, of the Corporation and its Affiliates and successors, concerning AGH and its Affiliates and successors or the other Principals, learned by the Principal
heretofore or hereafter. This Section 7.12(a) shall not apply to (i) any information that has been made publicly available by the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, becomes public knowledge (except as a result of an act of such
Principal in violation of this Agreement) or is generally known to the business community and (ii) the disclosure of information to the extent necessary for a Principal to prepare and file his or her Tax returns, to respond to any inquiries
regarding the same from any Taxing authority or to prosecute or defend any action, proceeding or audit by any Taxing authority with respect to such returns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each Principal and assignee (and each
employee, representative or other agent of such Principal or assignee, as applicable) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the Tax treatment and Tax structure of the Corporation, AGH, the Principals and their
Affiliates, and any of their transactions, and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other Tax analyses) that are provided to the Principals relating to such Tax treatment and Tax structure.
(b) If a Principal or assignee commits a breach, or threatens to commit a breach, of any of the provisions of Section 7.12(a), the
Corporation shall have the right and remedy to have the provisions of Section 7.12(a) specifically enforced by injunctive relief or otherwise by any court of competent jurisdiction without the need to post any bond or other security, it being
acknowledged and agreed that any such breach or threatened breach shall cause irreparable injury to the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries or the other Principals and the accounts and funds managed by the Corporation and that money damages alone
shall not provide an adequate remedy to such Persons. Such rights and remedies shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
Section 7.13
Effect of Merger on Prior Agreement
. For the avoidance of doubt, the parties hereto agree
that the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement shall not constitute a Change of Control under the provisions of the Original Agreement.
Section 7.14
Effectiveness: Termination
. Except for Section 7.19, this Agreement shall become effective upon the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger
Agreement). Section 7.19 of this Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof. This Agreement shall terminate upon the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 7.15
U.S. Subsidiaries
. For so long as Guarantor owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of
the voting stock of the Corporation, Guarantor hereby agrees and covenants, subject to Section 7.11, that any corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) which is created or organized in or
under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) of which Guarantor owns or hereinafter shall own, directly or indirectly, stock meeting the stock ownership requirements described in
Section 1504(a)(2) of the Code shall be included in the U.S. consolidated federal income tax group of which the Corporation is the parent.
Section 7.16
Acknowledgment
. The Principals acknowledge that the Corporation has made available to the Principals or their representatives information regarding the U.S.
tax attributes (including net operating losses) of the Corporation.
Section 7.17
Good Faith
and Fair Dealing
. This Agreement imposes upon each party a duty of good faith and fair dealing in such partys performance of its obligations under this Agreement that is co-extensive with the implicit duties of good faith and fair dealing
under applicable New York law. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Corporation shall not take any action a principal intended purpose of which is to avoid or seek to avoid the
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Corporations performance of its obligations under this Agreement. The foregoing is not intended in any way to limit the ability of the Corporation to acquire or dispose of any entities or
assets, unless a principal intended purpose of such acquisition or disposition is to avoid or seek to avoid the Corporations performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 7.18
Assumption Agreement.
If the Corporation or AGI (or any direct or indirect parent entity
of the Corporation or AGI for which the Corporation or AGI constitutes a majority of such parent entitys assets (other than in any case the ultimate parent entity of the Corporation or AGI), hereinafter Holdco) shall consolidate
with or merge into another Person or shall transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions) to another Person, or stock or other
equity interests of the Corporation or AGI or Holdco shall be sold, transferred or otherwise conveyed to another Person (each of the foregoing, a Transaction), then the Corporation shall cause the Person formed by such consolidation or
into which the Corporation, AGI or Holdco is merged (unless the Corporation or AGI or Holdco is the surviving entity in such consolidation or merger) or the Person which acquires by transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Corporation or AGI or Holdco or acquires stock or other equity interests of the Corporation or AGI or Holdco (for purposes of this section, a Successor Company) to be a corporation or
partnership that shall expressly assume, prior to or concurrently with (and as a condition to) the Transaction, by an assumption agreement executed and delivered to the Principals, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Principals, the
due and punctual payments of all amounts hereunder and the due and punctual performance of every covenant and agreement herein on the part of the Corporation or AGI or Holdco to be performed or observed. Additionally, if at the time of the
consummation of the Transaction the Successor Company would not be reasonably capable of satisfying the then remaining likely payment obligations to the Principals under this Agreement when and as such obligations become due, then, prior to or
concurrently with (and as a condition to) the Transaction, the Corporation or AGI or Holdco shall provide, or cause the Successor Company to provide, credit support as of the consummation of the Transaction such that, after taking into account such
credit support, such then remaining likely payment obligations to the Principals under this Agreement would be, as of the consummation of the Transaction, reasonably capable of being satisfied when they become due.
Section 7.19
Principals
.
(a)
Track Record
. Notwithstanding any confidentiality or other provisions contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other agreement, effective as of the Effective Time (as defined in the
Merger Agreement), AGI agrees that it shall not object to the use or disclosure by the Principals, either together or individually, for marketing or any other purpose, subject to and in a manner consistent with any applicable laws, of the historic
performance data and track record in its entirety relating to any publicly or privately offered pooled investment funds, separately managed accounts or other investment partnerships, vehicles or accounts, or any combination thereof, which are (or
were) managed by AGI or any of its subsidiaries and with respect to which either Principal had significant management, executive or investment responsibilities. Subject to the Principals compliance with any confidentiality or data privacy
requirements reasonably requested by AGI, which requirements shall be consistent with the provisions hereof, upon reasonable prior notice, AGI shall provide the Principals with access to such historical data (and any related back up data and
records, including without limitation brokerage statements and financial statements) then in the possession of AGI and commercially reasonably retrievable in order to permit the Principals, or their duly authorized agents, to calculate, prepare and
verify past performance results for such accounts in a manner and format compliant with applicable law and Global Investment Professional Standards (to the extent such data has been reported by AGI consistent with GIPS). The Principals shall be
responsible for the incremental costs, if any, of maintaining and providing access to such data.
(b)
Non-Solicitation
.
Any provision of the Exchange Agreement or an employment agreement governing the employment of a Principal to the contrary notwithstanding, each Principal agrees and covenants, that he shall not, either individually or acting through a jointly
controlled corporation or partnership, directly or indirectly, solicit the institutional clients listed in Exhibit B of either the Artio International Equity Fund or the Artio International Equity II Fund (collectively, the
Funds
)
for a period of one (1) year from the Effective Time (as defined in the
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Merger Agreement), including without limitation, soliciting intermediaries or affiliates in an effort to solicit the clients listed in Exhibit B or targeted marketing of the Funds retail or
institutional clients;
provided
that, the Principals shall not be prohibited from (x) generalized marketing and advertising or (y) providing investment management services to clients or investors who were not solicited in violation
of the foregoing and have contacted the Principals. In the event that AGI terminates a Principals employment without Cause (as defined in such Principals employment agreement) or if a Principal terminates his employment with
Good Reason (as defined in such Principals employment agreement) prior to the Closing, then such Principal shall no longer be subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 7.19(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree
that the non-solicitation and non-compete restrictions imposed on the Principals pursuant to the Exchange Agreement shall be waived solely to the extent necessary to permit the Principals, acting individually or through a jointly controlled
partnership or corporation, to operate a registered investment adviser offering mutual funds, privately offered funds and separately managed accounts to institutional and retail clients subject to compliance with the restrictions contained herein.
(c)
Good Reason
. Each Principal represents and warrants that (i) to such Principals knowledge, no event or
circumstance has occurred that has given rise to Good Reason (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) with respect to the Principal and (ii) the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement do not, and will not, give rise to
Good Reason (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) with respect to the Principal.
(d)
Other Agreements
.
Guarantor hereby agrees that Richard C. Pell will not be identified by Guarantor as a Section 2.2(a)(iii) Employee for purposes of Section 2.2 of the Merger Agreement.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation, AGI, AGH and each Principal have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first written above.
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
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B
Y
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/s/ Andrew A. Smith
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Name: Andrew A. Smith
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Title: Director & COO
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[Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement]
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
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By:
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/s/ Frank Harte
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Name: Frank Harte
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Title: CFO
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ARTIO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC
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By:
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/s/ Frank Harte
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Name: Frank Harte
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Title: CFO
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[Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement]
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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ARTIO GLOBAL HOLDINGS LLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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/s/ Richard C. Pell
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Richard C. Pell
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/s/ Rudolph-Riad Younes
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Rudolph-Riad Younes
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[Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement]
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Solely for the purpose of Section 7.15 hereof and the following guarantee:
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, for so long as Guarantor owns, directly or indirectly,
50% or more of the voting stock of the Corporation, Guarantor hereby unconditionally guarantees the due and punctual payment and performance of all of the Corporations obligations to the Principals under this Agreement. This guaranty is an
irrevocable guaranty of payment and performance (and not just of collection) and shall continue in effect notwithstanding any extension or modification of the terms of the Agreement or any assumption of any such guaranteed obligation by any other
party.
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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/s/ Gary R. Marshall
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Name: Gary R. Marshall
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Title: Authorized Signatory
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[Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement]
B-24
EXHIBIT A
JOINDER
This JOINDER (this
Joinder
) to the Tax
Receivable Agreement (as defined below), dated as of , by and among Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the
Corporation
), Artio Global Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (
AGH
) and
(
Permitted Transferee
).
WHEREAS, the Permitted Transferee is required to execute and deliver this Joinder pursuant to Section 7.06 of the Tax Receivable
Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective covenants and agreements set forth herein and
for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, Permitted Transferee hereby agrees as follows:
Section 1.1.
Definitions
. To the extent capitalized words used in this Joinder are not defined in this
Joinder, such words shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.2.
Joinder
. Permitted Transferee hereby acknowledges and agrees to become a
Principal (as defined in the Tax Receivable Agreement) for all purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.3.
Notice
. Any notice, request, consent, claim, demand, approval, waiver or other
communication hereunder to Permitted Transferee shall be delivered or sent to Permitted Transferee at the address set forth on the signature page hereto in accordance with Section 7.01 of the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Section 1.4.
Governing Law
. THIS JOINDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF THAT WOULD MANDATE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Joinder has been duly executed and delivered by Permitted
Transferee as of the date first above written.
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[PERMITTED TRANSFEREE]
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Name:
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Address:
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Address for Notices:
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Signature Page for Joinder by
to the Tax Receivable Agreement
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Annex C
VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (this
Agreement
), dated as of February 13, 2013, is entered into by and between Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, a public limited company organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom (
Parent
), and
GAM Holding AG (the
Stockholder
).
WHEREAS, the Stockholder owns (both beneficially and of record) in the
aggregate 15,880,844 shares of class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (
Company Common Stock
and such shares of Company Common Stock together with any shares of Company Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the
date hereof being collectively referred to herein as the
Shares
) of Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company
);
WHEREAS, the Company, Parent, and Guardian Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (
Merger Sub
), have entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the
Merger Agreement
); and
WHEREAS, the Stockholder has
agreed to enter into this Agreement in order to induce Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Parents entering into the Merger Agreement and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy of
which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms
. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 2. Representations and Warranties of Stockholder
. The Stockholder
hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
(a)
Title to the Shares
. The Stockholder is the record and
beneficial owner of 15,880,844 shares of Company Common Stock, which as of the date hereof constitutes all of the shares of Company Common Stock, or any other securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of Company Common Stock (all
collectively being
Company Securities
) owned beneficially and of record by the Stockholder and its Affiliates. The Stockholder and its Affiliates do not have any rights of any nature to acquire any additional Company Securities.
Except for (i) that certain Shareholders Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and between the Company and the Stockholder, as may be amended from time to time (the
Shareholders Agreement
), (ii) that certain
Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and among the Company, the Stockholder and the other shareholders party thereto, as may be amended from time to time (the
Registration Rights Agreement
),
(iii) proxies and restrictions in favor of Parent granted pursuant to this Agreement and (iv) such transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the Securities Act and the blue sky laws of the various
states of the United States, the Stockholder owns all of such shares of Company Common Stock free and clear of all limitations on voting rights, and has not appointed or granted any proxy, power of attorney or other authorization, which appointment
or grant is still effective, with respect to any of such shares of Company Common Stock. The Stockholder has the full ability and authority to vote the Shares as of the date hereof and shall have such ability and authority to vote the Shares through
the Effective Time.
(b)
Organization
. The Stockholder is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing or
similar concept under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization.
(c)
Authority Relative to this Agreement
. The
Stockholder has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated
C-1
hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by
all necessary action on the part of the Stockholder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Stockholder and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent, constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights
generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
(d)
No Conflict
. Except for any filings as may be
required by applicable federal securities laws, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder does not, and the performance of this Agreement by the Stockholder will not, (i) require any consent, approval, authorization or
permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by the Stockholder; (ii) conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of
the organizational documents of the Stockholder or any other any agreement to which the Stockholder is a party, including any voting agreement, stockholders agreement, voting trust, trust agreement, pledge agreement, loan or credit agreement, note,
bond, mortgage, indenture lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license, including, without limitation, the Shareholders Agreement; or (iii) conflict with or violate any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or to the Stockholders property or assets.
SECTION 3.
Covenants of Stockholder.
(a)
Restriction on Transfer
. The Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that prior to
the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, tender, assign, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, grant any proxy to, deposit any Shares into a voting trust, enter into a voting trust
agreement or create or permit to exist any additional security interest, lien, claim, pledge, option, right of first refusal, charge or other encumbrance of any nature with respect to the Shares that would limit the ability of the Stockholder to
vote the Company Securities in accordance with Section 4 below.
(b)
Additional Shares
. Prior to the termination
of this Agreement, the Stockholder will promptly notify Parent of the number of any new shares of Company Common Stock or any other Company Securities acquired directly or beneficially by the Stockholder, if any, after the date hereof. Any such
shares shall automatically become Shares within the meaning of this Agreement immediately upon their acquisition by the Stockholder.
(c)
Nonsolicitation
. Prior to the termination of this Agreement and subject to Section 4(e) below, the Stockholder shall (i) not (whether directly or indirectly through any representative
of the Stockholder) engage in any conduct that if conducted by the Company would be prohibited by Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement after taking into account the terms of such section, and (ii) advise the Company (in order that the
Company can timely comply with its obligations under Section 7.7(b) of the Merger Agreement) of the Stockholders receipt of any Acquisition Proposal.
(d)
Restrictions on Hedging
. Prior to the termination of this Agreement, without Parents prior written consent, the Stockholder shall not directly or indirectly enter into any forward sale, hedging
or similar transaction involving any Company Securities by which any of the Stockholders voting rights with respect to any such Company Securities are in any way transferred or limited prior to the Effective Time.
(e)
Termination of Shareholders Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to terminate, the
Shareholders Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
(f)
Termination of Registration Rights Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to
terminate, the Registration Rights Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
C-2
SECTION 4. Voting Agreement.
(a)
Voting Agreement
. The Stockholder hereby agrees that prior to the termination of this Agreement, at any meeting of the
stockholders of the Company however called, and in any action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company, the Stockholder shall, unless the Authorized Parties have voted the Shares pursuant to the irrevocable proxy granted in
Section 4(b) hereof, vote the Shares owned beneficially or of record by the Stockholder (whether in person or by delivery of a proxy card) or execute and deliver a written consent with respect to the Shares as follows:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other
transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be
likely to result in any conditions to the Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or agreement
that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impede, interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock of
the Company.
(b)
Grant of Proxy
. The Stockholder hereby irrevocably grants to and appoints, Parent and each of its
designees (the
Authorized Parties
and each an
Authorized Party
), and each of them individually as the Stockholders proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) for and in the name, place
and stead of the Stockholder, to vote the Shares or execute one or more written consents or approvals in respect of the Shares on or prior to the termination of this Agreement:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other
transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be
expected to result in any conditions to the Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to
prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or
agreement that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impede, interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock
of the Company.
The Stockholder hereby ratifies and confirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 4(b) is given in
connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement and that such irrevocable proxy is given to secure the performance of the Stockholders duties in accordance with this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby further ratifies and confirms that the
irrevocable proxy granted hereby is coupled with an interest and may under no circumstances be revoked prior to the termination of this Agreement (at which time such proxy shall
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automatically terminate without further action of the parties), except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Such irrevocable proxy shall be valid until termination of this Agreement. The
power of attorney granted by the Stockholder herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of the Stockholder. Upon the execution of this Agreement, the Stockholder hereby revokes any and
all prior proxies or powers of attorney given by the Stockholder with respect to voting of the Shares on the matters contemplated hereby and agrees not to grant any subsequent proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the voting of the Shares on
the matters contemplated hereby until after the termination of this Agreement. The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholders execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the Stockholders granting of the proxy contained in this Section 4(b). The Stockholder hereby affirms that the proxy granted in this Section 4(b) is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and
that such proxy is given to secure the performance of the duties of the Stockholder under this Agreement. If for any reason the proxy granted herein is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to not be valid, then the Stockholder agrees to vote
the Shares in accordance with Section 4(a). For Shares as to which the Stockholder is the beneficial but not the record owner, the Stockholder shall take all necessary actions to cause any record owner of such Shares to irrevocably constitute
and appoint Parent and its designees as such record owners attorney and proxy and grant an irrevocable proxy to the same effect as that contained herein.
(c)
Effect of Company Adverse Recommendation Change
. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, from and after the date of any Company Adverse Recommendation Change in response to
an Intervening Event the number of Shares owned beneficially or of record by the Stockholder that are subject to the terms of Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of this Agreement shall be 11,645,952.
(d)
Other Voting
. The Stockholder shall vote on all issues other than those specified in this Section 4 that may come before
a meeting of the stockholders of the Company in its sole discretion, provided that such vote does not contravene the provisions of this Section 4.
(e)
Acquisition Proposals; Superior Proposals
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Stockholder shall be entitled to participate with the Company and its directors, officers,
representatives, advisors or other intermediaries in any negotiations or discussions with any Person (including, without limitation, negotiating or discussing a voting agreement with a Person that would be entered into at any time after the
termination of this Agreement), or any preparations therefor, in each case in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal to the extent that the Company is permitted to engage in such negotiations or discussions in accordance with
Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of Parent
. Parent hereby
represents and warrants to the Stockholder as follows:
5.1.
Organization
. Parent is duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the United Kingdom.
5.2.
Authority Relative to
this Agreement
. Parent has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Parent and the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Parent. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and,
assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Stockholder, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
5.3.
No Conflict
. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Parent will not, (a) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit
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of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by Parent, except for filings with the SEC of such reports under the Exchange Act as may be required in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (b) conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of, the Parent Organizational
Documents or any other agreement to which Parent is a party; or (c) conflict with or violate any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or to Parents property or assets.
SECTION 6. Other Agreements
. Parent has not entered into any agreement of a kind on or prior to the date hereof that,
if granted after the date of this Agreement, would trigger rights in favor of the Stockholder as contemplated by the Section 7 below, except as otherwise disclosed to the Stockholder on or prior to the Stockholders delivery of this
Agreement.
SECTION 7. Most Favored Nation.
If Parent (i) enters into, or (ii) amends or waives the terms of
any, voting or support agreement relating to the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby that (in either case) establishes rights for the counterparty stockholder thereto with respect to the matters covered by this Agreement in a
manner more favorable to such counterparty stockholder in any material respect than the rights and benefits established in favor of the Stockholder under this Voting Agreement (or provides for covenants and obligations with respect to the matters
covered by this Agreement less onerous on the counterparty stockholder thereto than the covenants and obligations imposed on the Stockholder under this Voting Agreement), Parent will as promptly as practicable offer to extend the same to the
Stockholder, which will be entitled to accept such offer by written notice delivered to Parent within 10 Business Days of such offer.
SECTION 8. Stop Transfer Order
. In furtherance of this Agreement, concurrently herewith the Stockholder hereby does authorize each of the Company and Parent to notify the Companys transfer
agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all Company Securities covered by this Agreement (and that this Agreement places limits on the voting and transfer of the Shares).
SECTION 9. Certain Events
. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shares and
shall be binding on any Person to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
other change in the capital structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company, the number of Shares shall be deemed adjusted appropriately and this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to
any additional shares of Common Stock or other Company Securities issued to or acquired by the Stockholder.
SECTION 10.
Termination
. This Agreement and the proxy granted pursuant to Section 4(b) shall automatically terminate without further action of the parties and this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further force and effect on the first
to occur of (a) the Effective Time, (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement or (c) the date the Merger Agreement is amended to reduce the amount of or to change the form of consideration payable to the Companys stockholders
in the Merger.
SECTION 11. Miscellaneous.
(a)
Expenses
. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.
(b)
Specific Performance
. The parties hereto agree that, in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, (i) the non-breaching party will sustain irreparable damages for which there is not an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and (ii) the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms
hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
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(c)
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement (together with the Merger Agreement) constitutes
the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among such parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
(d)
Assignment
. Without the prior written consent of the other party to this Agreement, no party may assign any rights or delegate
any obligations under this Agreement. Any such purported assignment or delegation made without prior consent of the other party hereto shall be null and void.
(e)
Parties in Interest
. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure solely to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person not a party hereto any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
(f)
Amendment
. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(g)
Severability
. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule
of law, or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any
party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as
closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the terms of this Agreement remain as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
(h)
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement (each, a
Notice
) to any party shall be in writing and shall be delivered (i) in
person, (ii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, or (iii) sent by facsimile transmission (provided the original copy concurrently is delivered by another method provided above in this Section 10(h)), in each case
addressed to such party at the address or facsimile number set forth below:
if to Parent:
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
10 Queens Terrace
Aberdeen, Scotland
AB10 1YG
Attention: Company Secretary
Facsimile: (866) 291-5760
with a copy to:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Attention: David K. Boston
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
if to the Stockholder:
GAM Holding AG
Klausstrasse 10
8034 Zurich
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Switzerland
Attention: Scott Sullivan, Group General Counsel
Facsimile: +41 (0) 58 426
30 31
with a copy to:
Freshfield Bruckhaus Deringer
601 Lexington Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10022
Attention: Matthew Jacobson
Facsimile: (212) 277-4001
Each Notice shall be deemed received on the date of receipt by the recipient thereof, if received prior to 5:00 p.m. in the place of
receipt and such day is a Business Day; otherwise, such Notice shall be deemed not to have been received until the next succeeding Business Day in the place of receipt. Any party may change its address or facsimile number for the purpose of this
Section 11(h) by giving the other party a Notice of its new address or facsimile number in the manner set forth above.
(i)
Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed, performed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws
of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and wholly performed within such state, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.
(j)
Exclusive Jurisdiction
. The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding brought by either party to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection
with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in any federal or state court located in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereto submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any suit, action or proceeding
seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and hereby irrevocably waives the benefit of jurisdiction derived from present or future
domicile or otherwise in such action or proceeding. Each party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in
any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(k)
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY, IN ANY
MATTERS (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(l)
Headings
. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(m)
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) with counterpart
signature pages or in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same agreement.
[Rest of page intentionally blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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/s/ Gary R. Marshall
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Name: Gary R. Marshall
Title: Authorized signatory
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GAM HOLDING AG
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By:
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Name:
Title:
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[Signature Page to GAM Voting Agreement]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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Name:
Title:
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GAM HOLDING AG
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By:
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/s/ Scott Sullivan
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Name: Scott Sullivan
Title: General Counsel
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By:
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/s/ Elmar Zumbuehl
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Name: Elmar Zumbuehl
Title: Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary
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[Signature Page to GAM
Voting Agreement]
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Execution Version
VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (this
Agreement
), dated as of February 13, 2013, is entered into by and between Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, a public limited company organized and existing
under the laws of the United Kingdom (
Parent
), and Richard Pell (the
Stockholder
).
WHEREAS, the Stockholder owns (both beneficially and of record) in the aggregate 5,565,652 shares of class A common stock, par value
$0.001 per share (
Company Common Stock
and such shares of Company Common Stock together with any shares of Company Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof being collectively referred to herein as the
Shares
), of Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company
);
WHEREAS,
the Company, Parent, and Guardian Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (
Merger Sub
), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the
Merger Agreement
); and
WHEREAS, the Stockholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement in order to induce
Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby;
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of Parents entering into the Merger Agreement and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms
. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement and
not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 2. Representations
and Warranties of Stockholder
. The Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
(a)
Title to the
Shares
. The Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of, and has good and valid title to, 5,565,652 shares of Company Common Stock, which as of the date hereof constitutes all of the shares of Company Common Stock, or any other securities
convertible into or exercisable for any shares of Company Common Stock (all collectively being
Company Securities
) owned beneficially and of record by the Stockholder and its Affiliates. The Stockholder and its Affiliates do not
have any rights of any nature to acquire any additional Company Securities. Except for (i) that certain Shareholders Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and between the Company and the Stockholder, as may be amended from time to time
(the
Shareholders Agreement
), (ii) that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and among the Company, the Stockholder and the other shareholders party thereto, as may be amended from time to
time (the
Registration Rights Agreement
), (iii) proxies and restrictions in favor of Parent granted pursuant to this Agreement, and (iv) such transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be provided under the
Securities Act and the blue sky laws of the various states of the United States, the Stockholder owns all of such shares of Company Common Stock free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges, options, rights of first
refusal, agreements, limitations on voting rights, restrictions, charges, proxies and other encumbrances of any nature, and has not appointed or granted any proxy, power of attorney or other authorization, which appointment or grant is still
effective, with respect to any of such shares of Company Common Stock.
(b)
Authority Relative to this Agreement
. The
Stockholder has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder and the
consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Stockholder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Stockholder
and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent, constitutes a legal, valid and
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binding obligation of the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
(c)
No Conflict
. Except for any filings as may be required by applicable federal securities laws, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder does not, and the performance of
this Agreement by the Stockholder will not, (i) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by the Stockholder; (ii) conflict with, or result in
any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of any agreement to which the Stockholder is a party, including any voting agreement, stockholders agreement, voting trust, trust agreement, pledge
agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license, including, without limitation, the Shareholders Agreement; or (iii) conflict with or violate
any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or to the Stockholders property or assets.
SECTION 3. Covenants of Stockholder.
(a)
Restriction on Transfer
.
The Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, tender, assign, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, grant any proxy to, deposit any
Shares into a voting trust, enter into a separate voting trust agreement or create or permit to exist any additional security interest, lien, claim, pledge, option, right of first refusal, limitation on voting rights, charge or other encumbrance of
any nature with respect to the Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Stockholder may make a transfer of Shares by will, for estate or tax planning purposes, for charitable purposes or as charitable gifts or donations (each, a
Permitted Transfer
), provided that such transferee agrees in writing to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement applicable to the Stockholder and to hold the Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of
this Agreement to the same extent as such terms and provisions bind the Stockholder.
(b)
Additional Shares
. Prior to
the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder will promptly notify Parent of the number of any new shares of Company Common Stock or any other Company Securities acquired directly or beneficially by the Stockholder, if any, after the date
hereof. Any such shares shall automatically become Shares within the meaning of this Agreement immediately upon their acquisition by the Stockholder.
(c)
Nonsolicitation
. Prior to the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall (i) not (whether directly or indirectly through any representative of the Stockholder) engage in any
conduct that if conducted by the Company would be prohibited by Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement after taking into account the terms of such section, and (ii) advise the Company (in order that the Company can timely comply with its
obligations under Section 7.7(b) of the Merger Agreement) of the Stockholders receipt of any Acquisition Proposal.
(d)
Restrictions on Hedging
. Prior to the termination of this Agreement, without Parents prior written consent, the
Stockholder shall not directly or indirectly enter into any forward sale, hedging or similar transaction involving any Company Securities, including any transaction by which any of the Stockholders economic risks and/or rewards or ownership
of, or voting rights with respect to, any such Company Securities are transferred or affected.
(e)
Termination of
Shareholders Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to terminate, the Shareholders Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
(f)
Termination of Registration Rights Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to
terminate, the Registration Rights Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
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SECTION 4. Voting Agreement
(a)
Voting Agreement
. The Stockholder hereby agrees that prior to the termination of this Agreement, at any meeting of the
stockholders of the Company, however called, in any action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company, or in any other circumstances upon which the Stockholders vote, consent or other approval is sought, the Stockholder shall vote
the Shares owned beneficially or of record by the Stockholder or execute and deliver a written consent with respect to such Shares as follows:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be likely to result in any conditions to the
Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any
amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or agreement that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to,
materially impede, interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger
or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock of the Company.
(b)
Grant of Proxy
. The Stockholder hereby irrevocably grants to and appoints, Parent and each of its designees (the
Authorized Parties
and each an
Authorized Party
), and each of them individually as the Stockholders proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) for and in the name, place and stead of the
Stockholder, to vote the Shares or execute one or more written consents or approvals in respect of the Shares on or prior to the termination of this Agreement:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be expected to result in any conditions to the
Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any
amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or agreement that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impede,
interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock of the Company.
The Stockholder hereby ratifies and confirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 4(b) is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement and that such irrevocable
proxy is given to secure the performance of the Stockholders duties in accordance with this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby further ratifies and confirms that the irrevocable proxy granted hereby is coupled with an interest and may under no
circumstances be revoked prior to the termination of this Agreement (at which time such proxy shall automatically terminate without further action of the parties), except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Such irrevocable proxy shall be valid
until termination of this Agreement. The power of attorney granted by the Stockholder herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of the Stockholder. Upon the execution of this Agreement,
the Stockholder hereby revokes any and all prior proxies or powers of attorney given by the Stockholder with respect to voting of the Shares on the matters
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contemplated hereby and agrees not to grant any subsequent proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the voting of the Shares on the matters contemplated hereby until after the termination of
this Agreement. The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholders execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stockholders granting of the proxy
contained in this Section 4(b). The Stockholder hereby affirms that the proxy granted in this Section 4(b) is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and that such proxy is given to secure the performance of the
duties of the Stockholder under this Agreement. If for any reason the proxy granted herein is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to not be valid, then the Stockholder agrees to vote the Shares in accordance with Section 4(a). For Shares
as to which the Stockholder is the beneficial but not the record owner, the Stockholder shall take all necessary actions to cause any record owner of such Shares to irrevocably constitute and appoint Parent and its designees as such record
owners attorney and proxy and grant an irrevocable proxy to the same effect as that contained herein.
(c)
Effect of
Company Adverse Recommendation Change
. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, from and after the date of any Company Adverse Recommendation Change in response to an Intervening Event the number of Shares owned beneficially
or of record by the Stockholder that are subject to the terms of Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of this Agreement shall be 4,081,478.
(d)
Other Voting
. The Stockholder shall vote on all issues other than those specified in this Section 4 that may come before
a meeting of the stockholders of the Company in its sole discretion, provided that such vote does not contravene the provisions of this Section 4.
(e)
Actions in Capacity as Director or Officer
. The Stockholder is entering into this Agreement solely in his capacity as a stockholder of the Company (and not in any other capacity, including,
without limitation, any capacity as a director or officer of the Company). Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to govern, limit, affect or relate to any actions, omissions to act, or votes taken or not taken by the Stockholder in his capacity
as a member of the Companys Board of Directors or the Board of Directors or other equivalent governing body of any Subsidiary of the Company, or in his capacity as an officer of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in each case in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, and, for the avoidance of doubt, no such action taken (whatsoever) or omission to act (whatsoever) by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or officer of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed to violate any of the Stockholders obligations under this Agreement.
(f)
Acquisition Proposals; Superior Proposals
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Stockholder shall be entitled to participate with the Company and its directors, officers,
representatives, advisors or other intermediaries in any negotiations or discussions with any Person (including, without limitation, negotiating or discussing a voting agreement with a Person that would be entered into at any time after the
termination of this Agreement), or any preparations therefor, in each case in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal to the extent that the Company is permitted to engage in such negotiations or discussions in accordance with
Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of Parent
. Parent hereby
represents and warrants to the Stockholder as follows:
5.1.
Organization
. Parent is duly organized, validly existing,
and in good standing under the laws of the United Kingdom.
5.2.
Authority Relative to this Agreement
. Parent has the
corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent and the consummation by Parent
of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Parent. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent and, assuming the due
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authorization, execution and delivery by the Stockholder, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with its terms, (i) except as
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
5.3.
No Conflict
. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent does not, and the performance of this Agreement by Parent
will not, (a) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by Parent, except for filings with the SEC of such reports under the Exchange Act as may be
required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (b) conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of, the Parent
Organizational Documents or any other agreement to which Parent is a party; or (c) conflict with or violate any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or to Parents property or
assets.
SECTION 6. Further Assurances
. The Stockholder shall, without further consideration, from time to time (and at
Parents expense), cooperate with Parent in making all filings and obtain all consents as Parent may reasonably request for the purpose of effectuating the matters covered by this Agreement.
SECTION 7. Stop Transfer Order
. In furtherance of this Agreement, concurrently herewith the Stockholder hereby does authorize each
of the Company and Parent to notify the Companys transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all Shares (and that this Agreement places limits on the voting and transfer of the Shares). The Stockholder further hereby
does authorize the Company and the Companys transfer agent not to register the transfer of any certificate representing any of the Shares unless such transfer is made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
SECTION 8. Certain Events
. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shares and
shall be binding on any Person to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
other change in the capital structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company, the number of Shares shall be deemed adjusted appropriately and this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to
any additional shares of Common Stock or other Company Securities issued to or acquired by the Stockholder.
SECTION 9.
Termination
. This Agreement and the proxy granted pursuant to Section 4(b) shall automatically terminate without further action of the parties and this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further force and effect on the first
to occur of (a) the Effective Time, (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement, or (c) the date the Merger Agreement is amended to reduce the amount of or to change the form of consideration payable to the Companys stockholders
in the Merger.
SECTION 10. Miscellaneous
.
(a)
Expenses
. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.
(b)
Specific Performance
. The parties hereto agree that, in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, (i) the non-breaching party will sustain irreparable damages for which there is not an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and (ii) the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms
hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
(c)
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement (together with the
Merger Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among such parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
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(d)
Assignment
. Except in connection with a Permitted Transfer permitted in
Section 3(a), without the prior written consent of the other party to this Agreement, no party may assign any rights or delegate any obligations under this Agreement. Any such purported assignment or delegation made without prior consent of the
other party hereto shall be null and void.
(e)
Parties in Interest
. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure solely
to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person not a party hereto any right, benefit or
remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
(f)
Amendment
. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(g)
Severability
. If any term or other provision of
this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith
to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the terms of this Agreement remain as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
(h)
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement (each, a
Notice
) to any party shall be in writing and shall be delivered (i) in person, (ii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, or (iii) sent by facsimile transmission (provided the original copy concurrently
is delivered by another method provided above in this Section 10(h)), in each case addressed to such party at the address or facsimile number set forth below:
if to Parent:
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
10 Queens Terrace
Aberdeen, Scotland
AB10 1YG
Attention: Company Secretary
Facsimile: (866) 291-5760
with a copy to:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Attention: David K. Boston
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
if to the Stockholder:
Richard Pell
30 Grace Church Street
Rye, NY 10580
Attention: Richard Pell
Facsimile: (212)203-0716
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with a copy to:
Proskauer Rose LLP
Eleven Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Alan P. Parnes
Facsimile: (212) 969-2900
Each Notice shall be deemed received on the date of receipt by the recipient thereof, if received prior to 5:00 p.m. in the place of
receipt and such day is a Business Day; otherwise, such Notice shall be deemed not to have been received until the next succeeding Business Day in the place of receipt. Any party may change its address or facsimile number for the purpose of this
Section 10(h) by giving the other party a Notice of its new address or facsimile number in the manner set forth above.
(i)
Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed, performed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws
of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and wholly performed within such state, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.
(j)
Exclusive Jurisdiction
. The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding brought by either party to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection
with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in any federal or state court located in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereto submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any suit, action or proceeding
seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and hereby irrevocably waives the benefit of jurisdiction derived from present or future
domicile or otherwise in such action or proceeding. Each party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in
any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(k)
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY, IN ANY
MATTERS (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(l)
Headings
. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(m)
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) with counterpart
signature pages or in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same agreement.
[Rest of page intentionally blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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/s/ Gary R. Marshall
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Name: Gary R. Marshall
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Title: Authorized signatory
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[Signature Page to Pell Voting Agreement]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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/s/ Richard Pell
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RICHARD PELL
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[Signature Page to Pell Voting Agreement]
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VOTING AGREEMENT
This VOTING AGREEMENT (this
Agreement
), dated as of February 13, 2013, is entered into by
and between Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, a public limited company organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom (
Parent
), and Rudolph-Riad Younes (the
Stockholder
).
WHEREAS, the Stockholder owns (both beneficially and of record) in the aggregate 5,878,956 shares of class A common stock, par value
$0.001 per share (
Company Common Stock
and such shares of Company Common Stock together with any shares of Company Common Stock acquired by the Stockholder after the date hereof being collectively referred to herein as the
Shares
), of Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
Company
);
WHEREAS,
the Company, Parent, and Guardian Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (
Merger Sub
), have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the
Merger Agreement
); and
WHEREAS, the Stockholder has agreed to enter into this Agreement in order to induce
Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby;
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of Parents entering into the Merger Agreement and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms
. Capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 2.
Representations and Warranties of Stockholder
. The Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:
(a)
Title to the Shares
. The Stockholder is the record and beneficial owner of, and has good and valid title to, 5,878,956 shares of Company Common Stock, which as of the date hereof constitutes all of the shares of Company Common Stock, or any
other securities convertible into or exercisable for any shares of Company Common Stock (all collectively being
Company Securities
) owned beneficially and of record by the Stockholder and its Affiliates. The Stockholder and its
Affiliates do not have any rights of any nature to acquire any additional Company Securities. Except for (i) that certain Shareholders Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and between the Company and the Stockholder, as may be amended
from time to time (the
Shareholders Agreement
), (ii) that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 29, 2009, by and among the Company, the Stockholder and the other shareholders party thereto, as may be
amended from time to time (the
Registration Rights Agreement
), (iii) proxies and restrictions in favor of Parent granted pursuant to this Agreement, and (iv) such transfer restrictions of general applicability as may be
provided under the Securities Act and the blue sky laws of the various states of the United States, the Stockholder owns all of such shares of Company Common Stock free and clear of all security interests, liens, claims, pledges,
options, rights of first refusal, agreements, limitations on voting rights, restrictions, charges, proxies and other encumbrances of any nature, and has not appointed or granted any proxy, power of attorney or other authorization, which appointment
or grant is still effective, with respect to any of such shares of Company Common Stock.
(b)
Authority Relative to this
Agreement
. The Stockholder has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Stockholder and the consummation by the Stockholder of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Stockholder. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered
by the Stockholder and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by Parent, constitutes a legal, valid and
C-19
binding obligation of the Stockholder, enforceable against the Stockholder in accordance with its terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
(c)
No Conflict
. Except for any filings as may be required by applicable federal securities laws, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Stockholder does not, and the performance of
this Agreement by the Stockholder will not, (i) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by the Stockholder; (ii) conflict with, or result in
any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any provision of any agreement to which the Stockholder is a party, including any voting agreement, stockholders agreement, voting trust, trust agreement, pledge
agreement, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession, franchise or license, including, without limitation, the Shareholders Agreement; or (iii) conflict with or violate
any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Stockholder or to the Stockholders property or assets.
SECTION 3. Covenants of Stockholder
.
(a)
Restriction on Transfer
.
The Stockholder hereby covenants and agrees that prior to the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, tender, assign, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, grant any proxy to, deposit any
Shares into a voting trust, enter into a separate voting trust agreement or create or permit to exist any additional security interest, lien, claim, pledge, option, right of first refusal, limitation on voting rights, charge or other encumbrance of
any nature with respect to the Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Stockholder may make a transfer of Shares by will, for estate or tax planning purposes, for charitable purposes or as charitable gifts or donations (each, a
Permitted Transfer
), provided that such transferee agrees in writing to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement applicable to the Stockholder and to hold the Shares subject to all the terms and provisions of
this Agreement to the same extent as such terms and provisions bind the Stockholder.
(b)
Additional Shares
. Prior to
the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder will promptly notify Parent of the number of any new shares of Company Common Stock or any other Company Securities acquired directly or beneficially by the Stockholder, if any, after the date
hereof. Any such shares shall automatically become Shares within the meaning of this Agreement immediately upon their acquisition by the Stockholder.
(c)
Nonsolicitation
. Prior to the termination of this Agreement, the Stockholder shall (i) not (whether directly or indirectly through any representative of the Stockholder) engage in any
conduct that if conducted by the Company would be prohibited by Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement after taking into account the terms of such section, and (ii) advise the Company (in order that the Company can timely comply with its
obligations under Section 7.7(b) of the Merger Agreement) of the Stockholders receipt of any Acquisition Proposal.
(d)
Restrictions on Hedging
.Prior to the termination of this Agreement, without Parents prior written consent, the
Stockholder shall not directly or indirectly enter into any forward sale, hedging or similar transaction involving any Company Securities, including any transaction by which any of the Stockholders economic risks and/or rewards or ownership
of, or voting rights with respect to, any such Company Securities are transferred or affected.
(e)
Termination of
Shareholders Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to terminate, the Shareholders Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
(f)
Termination of Registration Rights Agreement
. The Stockholder shall terminate, and Parent shall cause the Company to
terminate, the Registration Rights Agreement as of the Effective Time and without any liability or obligation to the Company or the Stockholder.
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SECTION 4. Voting Agreement
.
(a)
Voting Agreement
. The Stockholder hereby agrees that prior to the termination of this Agreement, at any meeting of the
stockholders of the Company, however called, in any action by written consent of the stockholders of the Company, or in any other circumstances upon which the Stockholders vote, consent or other approval is sought, the Stockholder shall vote
the Shares owned beneficially or of record by the Stockholder or execute and deliver a written consent with respect to such Shares as follows:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be likely to result in any conditions to the
Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any
amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or agreement that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impede,
interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock of the Company.
(b)
Grant of Proxy
. The Stockholder hereby irrevocably grants to and appoints, Parent and each of its designees (the
Authorized Parties
and each an
Authorized Party
), and each of them individually as the Stockholders proxy and attorney-in-fact (with full power of substitution) for and in the name, place and stead of the
Stockholder, to vote the Shares or execute one or more written consents or approvals in respect of the Shares on or prior to the termination of this Agreement:
(i) in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement, and approval of the terms thereof and of the Merger, and the other transactions contemplated thereby;
(ii) against any action or agreement that has or would reasonably be expected to result in any conditions to the
Companys obligations under Article VIII of the Merger Agreement not being satisfied on or prior to the Termination Date;
(iii) against any Acquisition Proposal;
(iv) against any
amendments to the Company Organizational Documents if such amendment would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay the consummation of the Closing; and
(v) against any other action or agreement that is intended, or would reasonably be expected to, materially impede,
interfere with, delay, or postpone the Merger or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement or change in any manner the voting rights of any class of stock of the Company.
The Stockholder hereby ratifies and confirms that the irrevocable proxy set forth in this Section 4(b) is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement and that such irrevocable
proxy is given to secure the performance of the Stockholders duties in accordance with this Agreement. The Stockholder hereby further ratifies and confirms that the irrevocable proxy granted hereby is coupled with an interest and may under no
circumstances be revoked prior to the termination of this Agreement (at which time such proxy shall automatically terminate without further action of the parties), except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Such irrevocable proxy shall be valid
until termination of this Agreement. The power of attorney granted by the Stockholder herein is a durable power of attorney and shall survive the dissolution, bankruptcy, death or incapacity of the Stockholder. Upon the execution of this Agreement,
the Stockholder hereby revokes any and all prior proxies or powers of attorney given by the Stockholder with respect to voting of the Shares on the matters
C-21
contemplated hereby and agrees not to grant any subsequent proxies or powers of attorney with respect to the voting of the Shares on the matters contemplated hereby until after the termination of
this Agreement. The Stockholder understands and acknowledges that Parent is entering into the Merger Agreement in reliance upon the Stockholders execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stockholders granting of the proxy
contained in this Section 4(b). The Stockholder hereby affirms that the proxy granted in this Section 4(b) is given in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, and that such proxy is given to secure the performance of the
duties of the Stockholder under this Agreement. If for any reason the proxy granted herein is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to not be valid, then the Stockholder agrees to vote the Shares in accordance with Section 4(a). For Shares
as to which the Stockholder is the beneficial but not the record owner, the Stockholder shall take all necessary actions to cause any record owner of such Shares to irrevocably constitute and appoint Parent and its designees as such record
owners attorney and proxy and grant an irrevocable proxy to the same effect as that contained herein.
(c)
Effect of
Company Adverse Recommendation Change
. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, from and after the date of any Company Adverse Recommendation Change in response to an Intervening Event the number of Shares owned beneficially
or of record by the Stockholder that are subject to the terms of Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of this Agreement shall be 4,311,234.
(d)
Other Voting
. The Stockholder shall vote on all issues other than those specified in this Section 4 that may come before
a meeting of the stockholders of the Company in its sole discretion, provided that such vote does not contravene the provisions of this Section 4.
(e)
Actions in Capacity as Director or Officer
. The Stockholder is entering into this Agreement solely in his capacity as a stockholder of the Company (and not in any other capacity, including,
without limitation, any capacity as a director or officer of the Company). Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to govern, limit, affect or relate to any actions, omissions to act, or votes taken or not taken by the Stockholder in his capacity
as a member of the Companys Board of Directors or the Board of Directors or other equivalent governing body of any Subsidiary of the Company, or in his capacity as an officer of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in each case in
accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, and, for the avoidance of doubt, no such action taken (whatsoever) or omission to act (whatsoever) by the Stockholder in his capacity as a director or officer of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement shall be deemed to violate any of the Stockholders obligations under this Agreement.
(f)
Acquisition Proposals; Superior Proposals
. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Stockholder shall be entitled to participate with the Company and its directors, officers,
representatives, advisors or other intermediaries in any negotiations or discussions with any Person (including, without limitation, negotiating or discussing a voting agreement with a Person that would be entered into at any time after the
termination of this Agreement), or any preparations therefor, in each case in connection with an Acquisition Proposal or a Superior Proposal to the extent that the Company is permitted to engage in such negotiations or discussions in accordance with
Section 7.7 of the Merger Agreement.
SECTION 5. Representations and Warranties of Parent
. Parent hereby
represents and warrants to the Stockholder as follows:
5.1.
Organization
. Parent is duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the United Kingdom.
5.2.
Authority Relative to
this Agreement
. Parent has the corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
Parent and the consummation by Parent of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Parent. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Parent
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and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Stockholder, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent, enforceable against Parent in accordance with its
terms, (i) except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting or relating to enforcement of creditors rights generally, and (ii) subject to general principles of equity.
5.3.
No Conflict
. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Parent does not, and the performance of this
Agreement by Parent will not, (a) require any consent, approval, authorization or permit of, or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Entity or any other Person by Parent, except for filings with the SEC of such reports under the
Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (b) conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under any
provision of, the Parent Organizational Documents or any other agreement to which Parent is a party; or (c) conflict with or violate any judgment, order, notice, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to Parent or to
Parents property or assets.
SECTION 6. Further Assurances
. The Stockholder shall, without further consideration,
from time to time (and at Parents expense), cooperate with Parent in making all filings and obtain all consents as Parent may reasonably request for the purpose of effectuating the matters covered by this Agreement.
SECTION 7. Stop Transfer Order
. In furtherance of this Agreement, concurrently herewith the Stockholder hereby does authorize each
of the Company and Parent to notify the Companys transfer agent that there is a stop transfer order with respect to all Shares (and that this Agreement places limits on the voting and transfer of the Shares). The Stockholder further hereby
does authorize the Company and the Companys transfer agent not to register the transfer of any certificate representing any of the Shares unless such transfer is made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
SECTION 8. Certain Events
. The Stockholder agrees that this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to the Shares and
shall be binding on any Person to which legal or beneficial ownership of such Shares shall pass, whether by operation of law or otherwise. In the event of any stock split, stock dividend, merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or
other change in the capital structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock or other voting securities of the Company, the number of Shares shall be deemed adjusted appropriately and this Agreement and the obligations hereunder shall attach to
any additional shares of Common Stock or other Company Securities issued to or acquired by the Stockholder.
SECTION 9.
Termination
. This Agreement and the proxy granted pursuant to Section 4(b) shall automatically terminate without further action of the parties and this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further force and effect on the first
to occur of (a) the Effective Time, (b) the termination of the Merger Agreement, or (c) the date the Merger Agreement is amended to reduce the amount of or to change the form of consideration payable to the Companys stockholders
in the Merger.
SECTION 10. Miscellaneous
.
(a)
Expenses
. All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.
(b)
Specific Performance
. The parties hereto agree that, in the event any provision of this Agreement is not performed in
accordance with the terms hereof, (i) the non-breaching party will sustain irreparable damages for which there is not an adequate remedy at law for money damages, and (ii) the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms
hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity.
(c)
Entire Agreement
. This Agreement (together with the
Merger Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among such parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
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(d)
Assignment
. Except in connection with a Permitted Transfer permitted in
Section 3(a), without the prior written consent of the other party to this Agreement, no party may assign any rights or delegate any obligations under this Agreement. Any such purported assignment or delegation made without prior consent of the
other party hereto shall be null and void.
(e)
Parties in Interest
. This Agreement shall be binding upon, inure solely
to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person not a party hereto any right, benefit or
remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
(f)
Amendment
. This Agreement may not be amended
except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(g)
Severability
. If any term or other provision of
this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith
to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the terms of this Agreement remain as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
(h)
Notices
. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement (each, a
Notice
) to any party shall be in writing and shall be delivered (i) in person, (ii) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, or (iii) sent by facsimile transmission (provided the original copy concurrently
is delivered by another method provided above in this Section 10(h)), in each case addressed to such party at the address or facsimile number set forth below:
if to Parent:
Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
10 Queens Terrace
Aberdeen, Scotland
AB10 1YG
Attention: Company Secretary
Facsimile: (866) 291-5760
with a copy to:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Attention: David K. Boston
Facsimile: (212) 728-8111
if to the Stockholder:
Rudolph-Riad Younes
1 Broad Street, Apt. 31E
Stamford, CT 06901
Attention: Rudolph-Riad Younes
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with a copy to:
Proskauer Rose LLP
Eleven Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Alan P. Parnes
Facsimile: (212) 969-2900
Each Notice shall be deemed received on the date of receipt by the recipient thereof, if received prior to 5:00 p.m. in the place of
receipt and such day is a Business Day; otherwise, such Notice shall be deemed not to have been received until the next succeeding Business Day in the place of receipt. Any party may change its address or facsimile number for the purpose of this
Section 10(h) by giving the other party a Notice of its new address or facsimile number in the manner set forth above.
(i)
Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed, performed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws
of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and wholly performed within such state, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law principles.
(j)
Exclusive Jurisdiction
. The parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding brought by either party to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection
with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought in any federal or state court located in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereto submits to the jurisdiction of any such court in any suit, action or proceeding
seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of, or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and hereby irrevocably waives the benefit of jurisdiction derived from present or future
domicile or otherwise in such action or proceeding. Each party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in
any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(k)
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY, IN ANY
MATTERS (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(l)
Headings
. The descriptive headings contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(m)
Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) with counterpart
signature pages or in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same agreement.
[Rest of page intentionally blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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/s/ Gary R. Marshall
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Name: Gary R. Marshall
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Title: Authorized signatory
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[Signature Page to Younes Voting Agreement]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be duly executed
and delivered as of the date first written above.
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ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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/s/ Rudolph-Riad Younes
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RUDOLPH-RIAD YOUNES
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[Signature Page to Younes Voting Agreement]
C-27
Annex D
PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
February 13, 2013
Strategic Review Committee of the Board of Directors
Artio Global Investors Inc.
330 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
(Parent) and its affiliates) of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Shares), of Artio Global Investors Inc. (the Company) of the $2.75 per Share in cash
to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 13, 2013 (the Agreement), by and among Parent, Guardian Acquisition Corporation, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, and the
Company.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates are engaged in advisory, underwriting and financing, principal investing, sales and
trading, research, investment management and other financial and non-financial activities and services for various persons and entities. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates and employees, and funds or other entities in which they invest
or with which they co-invest, may at any time purchase, sell, hold or vote long or short positions and investments in securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments of the Company,
Parent, the Funds (as defined in the Agreement), any of their respective affiliates and third parties, including GAM Holding Limited
,
a significant stockholder of the Company (GAM), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.
,
a
significant stockholder of Parent (Mitsubishi), or any currency or commodity that may be involved in the transaction contemplated by the Agreement (the Transaction) for the accounts of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its
affiliates and employees and their customers. We have acted as financial advisor to the Strategic Review Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Strategic Review Committee) in connection with, and have participated in
certain of the negotiations leading to, the Transaction. We expect to receive fees for our services in connection with the Transaction, all of which are contingent upon consummation of the Transaction, and the Company has agreed to reimburse certain
of our expenses arising, and indemnify us against certain liabilities that may arise, out of our engagement. We have provided certain investment banking services to the Company and its affiliates from time to time for which our Investment Banking
Division has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as a lender with respect to the Companys term loan facility (aggregate principal amount $60,000,000) through March 2012 and as a lender with respect to the
Companys revolving credit facility (aggregate principal amount $50,000,000) through March 2012. We have also provided certain investment banking services to Mitsubishi and its affiliates, including The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd.
(Bank of Tokyo), from time to time for which our Investment Banking Division has received, and may receive, compensation, including having acted as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.555% bonds due
January 2016 (aggregate principal amount $483,000,000) in January 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.510% bonds due April 2021 (aggregate principal amount $236,000,000) in April 2011; as co-manager with
respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.710% bonds due April 2016 (aggregate principal amount $827,000,000) in April 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.545% and 1.275% bonds due July 2016
and July 14, 2021, respectively (aggregate principal amount $984,000,000) in July 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.120% bonds due October 2021 (aggregate principal amount $129,000,000) in
October 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.465% bonds due October 2016 (aggregate principal amount $517,000,000) in October 2011; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Mitsubishis
0.460% bonds due January 2017 (aggregate
D-1
Strategic Review Committee of the Board of Directors
Artio Global Investors Inc.
February 13, 2013
Page
2
principal amount $651,000,000) in January 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 1.070% bonds due April 2022 (aggregate principal amount $124,000,000) in
April 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.410% bonds due April 2017 (aggregate principal amount $495,000,000) in April 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.865%
bonds due July 2022 (aggregate principal amount $126,000,000) in July 2012; as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.275% bonds due July 2017 (aggregate principal amount $504,000,000) in July 2012; as co-manager with
respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.820% bonds due January 2023 (aggregate principal amount $112,000,000) in January 2013; and as co-manager with respect to a public offering of Bank of Tokyos 0.240% bonds due January 2018
(aggregate principal amount $447,000,000) in January 2013. We may also in the future provide investment banking services to the Company, Parent, the Funds, GAM, Mitsubishi, Bank of Tokyo and their respective affiliates for which our Investment
Banking Division may receive compensation.
In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the Agreement; annual
reports to stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2011; the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-1, including the prospectus contained therein dated
September 23, 2009 relating to the Companys initial public offering of Shares; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company; certain other communications from the Company to its
stockholders; certain publicly available research analyst reports for the Company; and certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the Company for 2013 and 2014 prepared by its management, as approved for our use by the Company (the
Forecasts). We have also held discussions with members of the senior management of the Company regarding its assessment of the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of the Company; reviewed the
reported price and trading activity for the Shares; compared certain financial and stock market information for the Company with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded; reviewed the financial
terms of certain recent business combinations in the asset management industry and in other industries; and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as we deemed appropriate.
For purposes of rendering this opinion, we have, with your consent, relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, legal,
regulatory, tax, accounting and other information provided to, discussed with or reviewed by, us, without assuming any responsibility for independent verification thereof. In that regard, we have assumed with your consent that the Forecasts have
been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the management of the Company. We have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent,
derivative or other off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of the Company, the Funds or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal. We have assumed that all governmental,
regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the expected benefits of the Transaction in any way meaningful to our analysis. We have assumed that the
Transaction will be consummated on the terms set forth in the Agreement, without the waiver or modification of any term or condition the effect of which would be in any way meaningful to our analysis.
Our opinion does not address the underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Transaction, or the relative merits of the Transaction as
compared to any strategic alternatives that may be available to the Company; nor does it address any legal, regulatory, tax or accounting matters. This opinion addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view to the holders (other than
Parent and its affiliates) of Shares, as of the date
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Strategic Review Committee of the Board of Directors
Artio Global Investors Inc.
February 13, 2013
Page
3
hereof, of the $2.75 per Share in cash to be paid to such holders pursuant to the Agreement. We do not express any view on, and our opinion does not address, any other term or aspect of the
Agreement or Transaction or any term or aspect of any other agreement or instrument contemplated by the Agreement or entered into or amended in connection with the Transaction, including the fairness of the Transaction to, or any consideration
received in connection therewith by, the holders of any other class of securities, creditors, or other constituencies of the Company; nor as to the fairness of the amount or nature of any compensation to be paid or payable to any of the officers,
directors or employees of the Company, or class of such persons, in connection with the Transaction, whether relative to the $2.75 per Share in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Parent and its affiliates) of Shares pursuant to the
Agreement or otherwise. We are not expressing any opinion as to the impact of the Transaction on the solvency or viability of the Company, Parent or the Funds or the ability of the Company, Parent or the Funds to pay their respective obligations
when they come due. Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, monetary, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof and we assume no responsibility for updating, revising or
reaffirming this opinion based on circumstances, developments or events occurring after the date hereof. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Strategic Review Committee in
connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of Shares should vote with respect to such Transaction or any other matter. This opinion has been approved by a fairness
committee of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the
$2.75 per Share in cash to be paid to the holders (other than Parent and its affiliates) of Shares pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such holders.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Goldman, Sachs & Co.
(GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.)
D-3
Annex E
ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. Purpose.
The purpose of the Artio Global Investors Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended,
is (i) to advance the interests of the Company and its Affiliates by attracting and retaining high caliber employees and other key individuals, (ii) to more closely align the interests of recipients of awards with the interest of the
Companys shareholders by increasing the proprietary interest of such recipients in the Companys growth and success and (iii) to motivate award recipients to act in the long-term best interests of the Companys shareholders.
Section 2. Definitions.
As used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
Affiliate
means (i) any entity that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by or under common control
with the Company; and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity interest, in either case as determined by the Committee.
Award
means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Award or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan, which may be denominated
or settled in Shares, cash or in such other forms as provided for herein.
Award Agreement
means any
agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing any Award granted under the Plan.
Beneficiary
means a person or persons named by a Participant to receive payments or other benefits or exercise rights
in the event of the Participants death. If no such person is named by a Participant or the Beneficiary is not eligible to receive payments, such Participants Beneficiary shall be the Participants estate.
Board
means the Board of Directors of the Company.
Change in Control
means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) any person (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act) other than (A) the Company, its Affiliates or an
employee benefit plan or trust maintained by the Company or its Affiliates, or (B) Julius Baer Holding Ltd. or its Affiliates or Richard Pell or Rudolph-Riad Younes or any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the
Exchange Act) which includes such person, becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys then outstanding
securities (excluding any person who becomes such a beneficial owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (A) of paragraph (iii) below), unless such person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the Companys securities entitled to vote generally in the election of members of the Board (the
Voting Stock
) then outstanding solely as a result of an acquisition of Voting Stock by the Company which, by
reducing the Voting Stock outstanding, increases the proportionate Voting Stock beneficially owned by such person to more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys Voting Stock then outstanding;
provided
, that if a person
shall become the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys Voting Stock then outstanding by reason of such Voting Stock acquisition by the Company and shall thereafter become the beneficial owner of any
additional Voting Stock which causes the proportionate voting power of such Voting Stock beneficially owned by such person to increase to more than 50% of the combined voting power of such Voting Stock then outstanding, such person shall, upon
becoming the beneficial owner of such additional Voting Stock, be deemed to have become the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys Voting Stock then outstanding other than solely as a result of such
Voting Stock acquisition by the Company;
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(ii) at any time during a period of twelve consecutive months, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the Board and any new member of the Board whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Companys shareholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in
office who were directors at the beginning of such twelve-month period or whose election or nomination for election was so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of members then constituting the Board; or
(iii) the consummation of (A) a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any
other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being
converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power or the total fair market value of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding
immediately after such merger or consolidation, or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of the Company having a total gross fair market value equal to more than 50% of the
total gross fair market value of all assets of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or transactions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred with respect to a Participant if the
Participant consummates or is part of a group, within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, which consummates the Change in Control transaction. Furthermore, with respect to any Awards granted under the Plan that are
not exempt under Section 409A of the Code, any payment resulting from a Change in Control shall only apply if the Change in Control qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Treasury Regulations
Section 1.409A-3(i)(5).
Code
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Committee
means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee (which may include
directors and officers of the Company) as may be designated by the Board. To the extent permitted by applicable law and as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Committee will have the authority to delegate its authority and responsibility to one or
more officers of the Company acting singly or as a committee. If the Board does not designate a committee, or the Committee delegates to one or more officers of the Company, references to the Committee shall refer to the Board or such
officers, as applicable.
Company
means Artio Global Investors Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Eligible Director
means a director of the Company who at the relevant time is not an employee of the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
Exchange Act
means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
Fair Market Value
means the closing price of a Share on the date in question (or, if there is no reported
sale on such date, on the last preceding date on which any reported sale occurred) on the principal stock exchange on which the Shares trade or are quoted. If the Shares are not so listed or quoted, Fair Market Value shall be the value of a Share as
determined by the Committee by the reasonable application of a reasonable method, in a manner consistent with Section 409A of the Code.
Incentive Stock Option
means an option representing the right to purchase Shares from the Company that is granted pursuant to Section 6, that is intended to meet the provisions of
Section 422 of the Code (and any successor provision), and that is identified in an Award Agreement as an Incentive Stock Option.
Non-Qualified Stock Option
means an option representing the right to purchase Shares from the Company that is granted pursuant to Section 6 and that is not an Incentive Stock
Option.
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Option
means an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
Other Stock-Based Award
means an Award granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.
Participant
means the recipient of an Award granted pursuant to the Plan.
Performance Award
means an Award granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan.
Plan
means the Artio Global Investors Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.
Qualifying Performance Award
means an Award that the Committee intends should constitute qualified
performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
Restricted Stock
means any Share granted pursuant to Section 8.
Restricted Stock Unit
means a restricted stock unit
granted pursuant to Section 8 that is denominated in Shares.
SAR
or
Stock Appreciation
Right
means any stock appreciation right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 7.
Share
means a share of the Companys Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Subsidiary
means any corporation, partnership, or other entity at least 50% of the economic interest in the equity of
which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
Section 3. Administration.
(a)
Composition of the Committee
. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall be appointed by the Board
and shall consist of not less than three directors. Each Committee member shall be: (i) independent, within the meaning of and to the extent required by applicable rulings and interpretations of the applicable stock exchange on which the Shares
trade or are quoted; (ii) a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act; and (iii) an outside director pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code (and any regulations issued thereunder), in each case at such
time as the Company and the Plan become subject to the respective regulatory regime. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of the Committee who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the
Committee. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant Awards to individuals (but not to any individual then covered by Section 16 of the Exchange Act). The
Committee may issue rules and regulations for administration of the Plan. It shall meet at such times and places as it may determine.
(b)
Committees Authority
. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee (or its delegate) shall have full power and authority to:
(i) determine the eligibility of Participants generally, and to designate individual Participants;
(ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each Participant under the Plan;
(iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by (or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to
be calculated in connection with) Awards;
(iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award;
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(v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards
may be settled or exercised in cash, Shares, other securities, or other Awards, or canceled, forfeited or suspended, and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited or suspended;
(vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances cash, Shares, other securities, other Awards, and
other amounts payable with respect to an Award under the Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder (
provided
,
however
, that any such deferral complies with Section 409A of the Code and does not
cause an Award under the Plan that is otherwise exempt from Section 409A of the Code to be subject to Section 409A of the Code);
(vii) interpret and administer the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award made under, the Plan;
(viii) establish, amend, suspend or waive such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as it shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and
(ix) make any other determination, including factual determinations, and take any other action that the Committee deems
necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
(c)
Committee Decisions Binding
. All decisions of the
Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties, including the Company, its Affiliates, the shareholders and the Participants.
(d)
No Repricing
. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend,
recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares pursuant to Section 4(d)) or except with respect to changes as may be required to comply with applicable law, including
Section 409A of the Code, the terms of outstanding awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Options or SARs or cancel outstanding Options or SARs in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or SARs with an
exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options or SARs without shareholder approval.
Section 4. Shares Available for Awards and Award Limitation.
(a)
Aggregate Share Pool.
Subject to adjustment as provided in this Section 4(a) and Section 4(d) and
Section 13(c), the maximum number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will not exceed 9,700,000 Shares. To the extent any Award expires, is cancelled, forfeited, exercised or settled or otherwise terminates without the delivery of
Shares, the number of Shares not delivered will again be (or will become) available for distribution under the Plan.
(b)
Individual Limits
. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(d) and Section 13(c), no Participant may receive under the Plan in any calendar year (i) Options and SARs, collectively, that relate to more than 1,750,000
Shares, (ii) Performance Awards (other than Options or SARs) that relate to more than 1,750,000 Shares or (iii) Performance Awards denominated in cash or valued with reference to property other than Shares that allow for a payment in
excess of $5,000,000. In the case of a tandem award pursuant to which a Participants realization of a portion of such award results in a corresponding reduction to a separate portion of the award, only the number of Shares or the cash amount
relating to the maximum possible realization under the award shall be counted for purposes of the limitations above (
i.e.
, without duplication).
(c)
Available Shares
. Any Shares delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Shares or Shares acquired by the Company.
(d)
Equitable Adjustments
. In the event that the Committee shall determine that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the
form of cash, Shares or other securities), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of
warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the
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Company, issuance of Shares without the receipt of consideration by the Company or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is appropriate in order
to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, then the Committee may adjust equitably any or all of the following:
(i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, including the
limits specified in paragraph (a) above;
(ii) the number and type of Shares (or other securities) subject
to outstanding Awards; and
(iii) the grant, purchase, or exercise price with respect to any Award or, if
deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment to the holder of an outstanding Award;
provided
,
however
, that the number of Shares subject to any Award or Awards denominated in Shares shall always be a whole number.
Section 5. Eligibility
. Any employee, director, consultant or other advisor of, or any other individual who provides
services to, the Company or any Affiliate shall be eligible to be selected to receive an Award under the Plan.
Section 6. Options
. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Awards of Options to Participants with terms and
conditions that the Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement.
(a)
Exercise Price
. The exercise
price per Share underlying an Option shall be determined by the Committee;
provided
,
however
, that such exercise price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant of such Option.
(b)
Term
. The term of each Option shall be fixed by the Committee but shall not exceed 10 years from the date of grant thereof.
(c)
Exercisability
. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in
part.
(d)
Methods of Exercise
. No Shares shall be delivered by the Company pursuant to an exercise of an Option until
payment in full of the exercise price is received by the Company. The Committee shall determine the method or methods by which, and the form or forms, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other Awards, or any combination thereof, including
by cashless exercise, whereby the exercise price shall be paid or deemed to have been paid.
(e)
Incentive Stock
Options
. The terms of any Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan shall comply in all respects with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code (or any successor provision) and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 7. Stock Appreciation Rights
. The Committee is hereby authorized to grant Awards of Stock Appreciation Rights
(SARs) to Participants with terms and conditions that the Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement.
(a)
Types of SARs
. A SAR represents a right of the Participant to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise, over (ii) the
exercise price of the SAR on the date of grant. SARs may be granted hereunder to Participants either alone (stand-alone) or in tandem with an Option granted under Section 6 (tandem).
(b)
Tandem SARs
. Any tandem SAR may be granted at the same time such Option is granted or at any time thereafter before exercise
or expiration of such Option. In the case of any tandem SAR, the SAR or applicable portion thereof shall not be exercisable until the related Option or applicable portion thereof is exercisable and
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shall terminate and no longer be exercisable upon the termination or exercise of the related Option, except that a SAR granted with respect to less than the full number of Shares covered by a
related Option shall not be reduced until the exercise or termination of the related Option exceeds the number of Shares not covered by the SAR. Any Option related to any tandem SAR shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the related SAR has
been exercised.
(c)
Term and Exercise Price
. A SAR shall not have a term of greater than 10 years or an exercise price
less than 100% of Fair Market Value of the Share on the date of grant.
(d)
Method of Exercise
. The Committee shall
determine the method of exercise of the SAR, the method of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, method by or forms in which Shares will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to the Participant and any other terms and conditions
of the SARs.
Section 8. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
. The Committee is hereby authorized to
grant Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to Participants with terms and conditions that the Committee shall determine and set forth in an Award Agreement. A Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive one Share upon the
lapse of restrictions as set forth in an Award Agreement.
(a)
Restrictions and Lapsing Events
. Shares of Restricted
Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose (including, without limitation, any limitation on the right to vote, dispose of, or receive any dividend or other right in respect of, a Share of
Restricted Stock), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate. The time and manner of payment of cash or delivery of Shares upon
settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit or the lapse of restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock shall be determined by the Committee and shall be exempt from or otherwise comply with Section 409A of the Code and any guidance issued
thereunder. The Committee may in its discretion, when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the Company, waive in whole or in part any or all restrictions with respect to Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
(b)
Restricted Stock
. Any share of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the
Committee may deem appropriate including, without limitation, book-entry registration or issuance of a stock certificate or certificates. In the event any stock certificate is issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock granted under the Plan,
such certificate shall be registered in the name of the Participant and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.
(c)
Dividends and Dividend Equivalent Rights
. The Committee in its discretion may permit dividends to be paid with respect to
Restricted Stock that may be payable directly to the Participant or provide that dividends may be deferred, including subject to forfeiture until the restrictions with respect to the underlying Restricted Stock lapse. Holders of Restricted Stock
Units shall have no rights as shareholders of the Company. The Committee in its discretion may permit the holder of such Restricted Stock Units to receive, upon declaration of a dividend by the Company, a payment of a cash or stock dividend
(dividend equivalent rights) that may be payable or may be deferred, including subject to forfeiture until the restrictions with respect to the underlying Restricted Stock Units lapse, provided such dividend equivalent rights comply with
Section 409A of the Code and any guidance issued thereunder.
Section 9. Performance Awards
. The
Committee is hereby authorized to grant Performance Awards to Participants with terms and conditions that the Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement.
(a)
Performance Conditions
. Performance Awards may be denominated as a cash amount, number of Shares, or a combination thereof and are Awards which may be earned upon achievement or satisfaction of
performance conditions specified by the Committee. In addition, the Committee may specify that any other Award shall constitute a Performance Award by conditioning the right of a Participant to exercise the Award or
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have it settled, and the timing thereof, upon achievement or satisfaction of such performance conditions as may be specified by the Committee. The Committee may use such business criteria and
other measures of performance as it may deem appropriate in establishing any performance conditions. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the
amount of any Performance Award granted and the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any Performance Award shall be determined by the Committee.
(b)
Performance Goals
. A Qualifying Performance Award shall include a pre-established formula, such that payment, retention or vesting of the Award, in whole or in part, is subject to the
achievement during a performance period or periods, as determined by the Committee, of a prescribed level or levels of, or increases in, in each case as determined by the Committee, one or more performance measures with respect to the Company. The
performance measures may include, without limitation, the following: total shareholder return; earnings per Share; book value per Share; Share price; cash flow; free cash flow; net cash provided by operations; working capital management; gross or
operating margin; revenue; operating income or profit; earnings; net income or profit; return on equity; return on capital; return on assets or net assets; expense or cost savings; assets under management; net client cash flows; diversification;
investment performance; economic value; client retention; employee retention; or any combination of the foregoing, in each case at a moment in time or over a specified performance period. Performance criteria may be measured based on individual
performance or the Companys performance (including, without limitation, any divisional, business unit or other performance), on an absolute (
e.g.
, plan or budget) or relative basis, and may include, without limitation, risk-based
adjustments or adjustments for items that are unusual in nature. Relative performance may be measured against a group of peer companies, a financial market index, or other acceptable objective and quantifiable indices. Except in the case of a
Qualifying Performance Award, if the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which the Company conducts its business, or other events or circumstances
render the performance objectives unsuitable, the Committee may modify the performance objectives or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Committee deems appropriate and equitable. In the case of a
Qualifying Performance Award, such adjustments may only be made to the extent provided by the Committee with respect to the Qualifying Performance Award as of the date by which the performance measures applicable to the Qualifying Performance Award
were required to be specified in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code.
(c)
Other Restrictions
. Performance
measures may vary from Performance Award to Performance Award, respectively, and from Participant to Participant, and may be established on a stand-alone basis, in tandem or in the alternative. The Committee shall have the power to impose such other
restrictions on Awards subject to this paragraph (b) as it may deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that such Awards satisfy all requirements for performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4)(C) of
the Code, or any successor provision thereto. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee shall not be authorized to increase the amount payable under any Award to which this paragraph (b) applies upon attainment of
such pre-established formula.
(d)
Settlement of Performance Awards; Other Terms
. Settlement of Performance Awards
shall be in cash, Shares, other Awards or other property, or a combination thereof, in the discretion of the Committee. The Committee may, in its discretion, increase or reduce the amount of a settlement otherwise to be made in connection with such
Performance Awards, but may not exercise discretion to increase any such amount payable to a covered employee in respect of a Qualifying Performance Award. Any settlement which changes the form of payment from that originally specified
with respect to a Qualifying Performance Award shall be implemented in a manner such that the Qualifying Performance Award does not, solely for that reason, fail to qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of
Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of employment by the Participant. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any
provision of a Qualifying Performance Award which would cause the Qualifying Performance Award not to be regarded as performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code shall be null and void.
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Section 10. Other Stock-Based Awards.
The Committee is hereby authorized
to grant to Participants such other Awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Shares or factors that may influence the value of Shares. These factors may include
convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into Shares, purchase rights for Shares, Awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or business units thereof or any other factors
designated by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards, which will be set forth in an Award Agreement. Shares delivered pursuant to an Award in the nature of a purchase right shall be purchased for such
consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, cash, Shares, other Awards, notes, or other property, as the Committee may determine. Cash awards, as an element of or supplement to any other
Award under the Plan, may also be granted hereunder.
Section 11. Special Rules for Eligible Directors
.
(a)
Annual Awards
. Each Eligible Director may be granted Awards hereunder, including without limitation Awards
prescribed under the director compensation policy of the Company as in effect from time to time.
(b)
Deferral of Shares by
Eligible Directors
. The Committee in its discretion may permit an Eligible Director to elect to defer the receipt of Shares otherwise currently payable to such Eligible Director under paragraph (a) above until such Eligible Director
terminates service as a director or such other date or event as permitted under rules established by the Board and uniformly applied.
(c)
Settlement
. As soon as practicable after an Eligible Director has ceased being a director of the Company or such other date or event elected by an Eligible Director under paragraph
(b) above, all Awards not previously paid shall be paid to the Eligible Director or, in the case of the death of the Eligible Director, the Eligible Directors Beneficiary, in a single payment.
(d)
Dividend Equivalents
. The Committee in its discretion may provide that an Eligible Director (or Beneficiary) will be eligible
to receive certain dividend equivalent amounts. In such event, the dividend equivalent amount will be determined and credited as of each dividend payment date by dividing the aggregate cash dividends that would have been paid had Share credits
awarded or credited (but not yet paid) been actual Shares on the record date for such dividend by the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the dividend payment date.
(e)
Payment
. Payments made to Eligible Directors hereunder will be made in Shares.
Section 12. General Provisions Applicable to Awards.
(a)
Terms and Conditions
. The terms and conditions of the Awards generally will be set forth in the Award Agreement. In the event
of any inconsistency between the Award Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall govern.
(b)
Form of Consideration
.
Awards will be granted for no cash consideration or for such minimal cash consideration as may be required by applicable law. Subject to the terms of the Plan, payments or transfers to be made by the Company upon the grant, exercise or payment of an
Award may be made in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other Awards, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its discretion at the time of grant.
(c)
Tandem Awards
. Awards may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with any
other Award or any award granted under any other plan of the Company. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, or in addition to or in tandem with awards granted under any other plan of the Company, may be granted either at the
same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.
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(d)
Non-Transferability
. Except as may be permitted by the Committee or as
specifically provided in an Award Agreement, (i) no Award and no right under any Award shall be assignable, alienable, saleable or transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or pursuant to paragraph (e) below, and (ii) each
Award, and each right under any Award, shall be exercisable during the Participants lifetime only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participants guardian or legal representative. The provisions of this
paragraph shall not apply to any Award which has been fully exercised, earned or paid, as the case may be, and shall not preclude forfeiture of an Award in accordance with the terms thereof.
(e)
Beneficiary Designation
. A Participant may designate a Beneficiary or change a previous Beneficiary designation at such times
prescribed by the Committee by using forms and following procedures approved or accepted by the Committee for that purpose.
(f)
Securities Laws
. All certificates for Shares and/or Shares or other securities delivered under the Plan pursuant to any Award
or the exercise thereof shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan or the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock
exchange upon which such Shares or other securities are then listed, and any applicable federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such
restrictions.
(g)
Change in Control
. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the applicable Award Agreement, upon a
Change in Control, the Committee shall determine whether outstanding Options and/or SARs shall become fully exercisable and/or vested and whether outstanding Awards (other than Options and SARs) shall become fully vested and/or payable or whether
restrictions with respect to such Awards shall lapse. In addition, the Committee shall determine the treatment of outstanding Awards in connection with any transaction or transactions resulting in a Change in Control.
Section 13. Amendments and Termination.
(a)
Plan
. The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time;
provided
,
however
, that no such amendment, alteration,
suspension, discontinuation or termination shall be made without (i) shareholder approval where the Board deems it necessary or desirable to qualify or comply with any tax or regulatory requirement, including if such approval is required by the
listed company rules of the stock exchange, if any, on which the Shares are principally traded or quoted, or (ii) the consent of the affected Participant, if such action would adversely affect the rights of such Participant under any
outstanding Award, except to the extent any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination is made to cause the Plan to comply with applicable law, stock exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and
regulations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Committee may amend the Plan in such manner as may be necessary to enable the Plan to achieve its stated purposes in any jurisdiction in a tax-efficient manner and in compliance with
local rules and regulations.
(b)
Awards
. The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of,
or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate, any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, without the consent of any relevant Participant or holder or Beneficiary of an Award,
provided
,
however
, that no such
action shall adversely affect the rights of any affected Participant or holder or Beneficiary under any Award theretofore granted under the Plan, except to the extent any such action is made to cause the Plan or any Award thereunder to comply with
applicable law, stock exchange rules and regulations or accounting or tax rules and regulations.
(c)
Adjustments
. The
Committee shall be authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards in recognition of events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4(d)), whenever the Committee
determines that such adjustments are appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan.
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(d)
Cancellation of Awards
. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or any Award
Agreement to the contrary (other than the limitation set forth in Section 13(b)), the Committee may cause any Award granted hereunder to be canceled in consideration of a cash payment or alternative Award made to the holder of such canceled
Award equal in value to the Fair Market Value of such canceled Award.
Section 14. Miscellaneous.
(a)
No Rights to Awards
. No employee, Participant or other person shall have any claim to be granted any Award
under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of employees, Participants, or holders or Beneficiaries of Awards under the Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient. Any
Award granted under the Plan shall be a one-time Award that does not constitute a promise of future grants. The Company, in its sole discretion, maintains the right to make available future grants hereunder.
(b)
Withholding
. The Company shall be authorized to withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any
Award or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to a Participant the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities or other Awards) of required withholding taxes due in respect of an Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer
under such Award or under the Plan and to take such other action (including, without limitation, providing for elective payment of such amounts in cash or Shares by the Participant) as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all
obligations for the payment of such taxes.
(c)
Section 409A of the Code
. It is the intention of the Company that
this Plan be exempt from, or if not so exempt, comply with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any guidance issued thereunder, including, without limitation, the six-month delay for payments of deferred compensation to key
employees upon separation from service pursuant to Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code (if applicable), and the Plan shall be interpreted, operated and administered accordingly. Further, (A) any adjustments made pursuant to
Section 4 or Section 13 of the Plan to Awards that are considered deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code shall be made in compliance with Section 409A of the Code; and (B) any
adjustments made pursuant to Section 4 or Section 13 of the Plan that are not considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be made in such a manner as to ensure that after such adjustment the
Awards either (i) continue not to be subject to Section 409A of the Code, or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Company does not guarantee the
tax treatment of any payments or benefits under this Plan, whether pursuant to the Code, federal, state, local or foreign tax laws or regulations.
(d)
No Limit on Other Compensation Arrangements
. Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Company from adopting or continuing in effect other or additional compensation arrangements, and
such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
(e)
No Right to Continued
Employment
. The grant of an Award shall not be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of, or to continue to provide services to, the Company or any Affiliate. Further, the Company or the applicable Affiliate may
at any time dismiss a Participant, free from any liability, or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Award Agreement or in any other agreement binding the parties. The receipt of any Award under the Plan
is not intended to confer any rights on the receiving Participant except as set forth in such Award.
(f)
Governing
Law
. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any rules and regulations relating to the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without application of the conflict of
laws principles thereof.
(g)
Severability
. If any provision of the Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award
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under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in
the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, person or Award, and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and
effect.
(h)
No Trust or Fund Created
. Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or
separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a Participant or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater
than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Company.
(i)
No Fractional Shares
. No fractional Shares shall
be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award, and the Committee shall determine whether cash or other securities shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall
be canceled, terminated or otherwise eliminated.
Section 15. Term of the Plan.
(a)
Effective Date
. The Plan, as amended, shall be effective as of the effective date of approval of the Plan by the Board and its
shareholders.
(b)
Expiration Date
. No Award shall be granted under the Plan after August 6, 2019. Unless
otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in an applicable Award Agreement, any Award granted under the Plan may extend beyond such date, and the authority of the Committee to amend, alter, adjust, suspend, discontinue, or terminate any such
Award, or to waive any conditions or rights under any such Award, and the authority of the Board to amend the Plan, shall extend beyond such date.
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Annex F
SECTION 262 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
§ 262. Appraisal rights
(a) Any stockholder of a corporation of this State who holds shares of stock on the date of the making of a demand pursuant to subsection
(d) of this section with respect to such shares, who continuously holds such shares through the effective date of the merger or consolidation, who has otherwise complied with subsection (d) of this section and who has neither voted in
favor of the merger or consolidation nor consented thereto in writing pursuant to § 228 of this title shall be entitled to an appraisal by the Court of Chancery of the fair value of the stockholders shares of stock under the circumstances
described in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. As used in this section, the word stockholder means a holder of record of stock in a corporation; the words stock and share mean and include what is
ordinarily meant by those words; and the words depository receipt mean a receipt or other instrument issued by a depository representing an interest in 1 or more shares, or fractions thereof, solely of stock of a corporation, which stock
is deposited with the depository.
(b) Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a constituent
corporation in a merger or consolidation to be effected pursuant to § 251 (other than a merger effected pursuant to § 251(g) of this title), § 252, § 254, § 255, § 256, § 257, § 258, § 263 or § 264
of this title:
(1) Provided, however, that no appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any
class or series of stock, which stock, or depository receipts in respect thereof, at the record date fixed to determine the stockholders entitled to receive notice of the meeting of stockholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation,
were either (i) listed on a national securities exchange or (ii) held of record by more than 2,000 holders; and further provided that no appraisal rights shall be available for any shares of stock of the constituent corporation surviving a
merger if the merger did not require for its approval the vote of the stockholders of the surviving corporation as provided in § 251(f) of this title.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, appraisal rights under this section shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a constituent corporation if the holders
thereof are required by the terms of an agreement of merger or consolidation pursuant to §§ 251, 252, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 263 and 264 of this title to accept for such stock anything except:
a. Shares of stock of the corporation surviving or resulting from such merger or consolidation, or depository receipts in respect thereof;
b. Shares of stock of any other corporation, or depository receipts in respect thereof, which shares of stock (or depository
receipts in respect thereof) or depository receipts at the effective date of the merger or consolidation will be either listed on a national securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 holders;
c. Cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional depository receipts described in the foregoing paragraphs (b)(2)a. and b. of this
section; or
d. Any combination of the shares of stock, depository receipts and cash in lieu of fractional shares or fractional
depository receipts described in the foregoing paragraphs (b)(2)a., b. and c. of this section.
(3) In the event all of the
stock of a subsidiary Delaware corporation party to a merger effected under § 253 or § 267 of this title is not owned by the parent immediately prior to the merger, appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of the subsidiary
Delaware corporation.
(c) Any corporation may provide in its certificate of incorporation that appraisal rights under this section shall be
available for the shares of any class or series of its stock as a result of an amendment to its certificate of incorporation, any merger or consolidation in which the corporation is a constituent corporation or the sale of all
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or substantially all of the assets of the corporation. If the certificate of incorporation contains such a provision, the procedures of this section, including those set forth in subsections
(d) and (e) of this section, shall apply as nearly as is practicable.
(d) Appraisal rights shall be perfected as follows:
(1) If a proposed merger or consolidation for which appraisal rights are provided under this section is to be submitted for
approval at a meeting of stockholders, the corporation, not less than 20 days prior to the meeting, shall notify each of its stockholders who was such on the record date for notice of such meeting (or such members who received notice in accordance
with § 255(c) of this title) with respect to shares for which appraisal rights are available pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section that appraisal rights are available for any or all of the shares of the constituent
corporations, and shall include in such notice a copy of this section and, if 1 of the constituent corporations is a nonstock corporation, a copy of § 114 of this title. Each stockholder electing to demand the appraisal of such
stockholders shares shall deliver to the corporation, before the taking of the vote on the merger or consolidation, a written demand for appraisal of such stockholders shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably informs the
corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of such stockholders shares. A proxy or vote against the merger or consolidation shall not constitute such a demand. A stockholder
electing to take such action must do so by a separate written demand as herein provided. Within 10 days after the effective date of such merger or consolidation, the surviving or resulting corporation shall notify each stockholder of each
constituent corporation who has complied with this subsection and has not voted in favor of or consented to the merger or consolidation of the date that the merger or consolidation has become effective; or
(2) If the merger or consolidation was approved pursuant to § 228, § 253, or § 267 of this title, then either a constituent
corporation before the effective date of the merger or consolidation or the surviving or resulting corporation within 10 days thereafter shall notify each of the holders of any class or series of stock of such constituent corporation who are
entitled to appraisal rights of the approval of the merger or consolidation and that appraisal rights are available for any or all shares of such class or series of stock of such constituent corporation, and shall include in such notice a copy of
this section and, if 1 of the constituent corporations is a nonstock corporation, a copy of § 114 of this title. Such notice may, and, if given on or after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, shall, also notify such stockholders
of the effective date of the merger or consolidation. Any stockholder entitled to appraisal rights may, within 20 days after the date of mailing of such notice, demand in writing from the surviving or resulting corporation the appraisal of such
holders shares. Such demand will be sufficient if it reasonably informs the corporation of the identity of the stockholder and that the stockholder intends thereby to demand the appraisal of such holders shares. If such notice did not
notify stockholders of the effective date of the merger or consolidation, either (i) each such constituent corporation shall send a second notice before the effective date of the merger or consolidation notifying each of the holders of any
class or series of stock of such constituent corporation that are entitled to appraisal rights of the effective date of the merger or consolidation or (ii) the surviving or resulting corporation shall send such a second notice to all such
holders on or within 10 days after such effective date; provided, however, that if such second notice is sent more than 20 days following the sending of the first notice, such second notice need only be sent to each stockholder who is entitled to
appraisal rights and who has demanded appraisal of such holders shares in accordance with this subsection. An affidavit of the secretary or assistant secretary or of the transfer agent of the corporation that is required to give either notice
that such notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. For purposes of determining the stockholders entitled to receive either notice, each constituent corporation may fix, in advance, a
record date that shall be not more than 10 days prior to the date the notice is given, provided, that if the notice is given on or after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, the record date shall be such effective date. If no record
date is fixed and the notice is given prior to the effective date, the record date shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the notice is given.
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(e) Within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, the surviving or resulting
corporation or any stockholder who has complied with subsections (a) and (d) of this section hereof and who is otherwise entitled to appraisal rights, may commence an appraisal proceeding by filing a petition in the Court of Chancery
demanding a determination of the value of the stock of all such stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, any stockholder who has not commenced an appraisal
proceeding or joined that proceeding as a named party shall have the right to withdraw such stockholders demand for appraisal and to accept the terms offered upon the merger or consolidation. Within 120 days after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation, any stockholder who has complied with the requirements of subsections (a) and (d) of this section hereof, upon written request, shall be entitled to receive from the corporation surviving the merger or resulting
from the consolidation a statement setting forth the aggregate number of shares not voted in favor of the merger or consolidation and with respect to which demands for appraisal have been received and the aggregate number of holders of such shares.
Such written statement shall be mailed to the stockholder within 10 days after such stockholders written request for such a statement is received by the surviving or resulting corporation or within 10 days after expiration of the period for
delivery of demands for appraisal under subsection (d) of this section hereof, whichever is later. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a person who is the beneficial owner of shares of such stock held either in a voting trust
or by a nominee on behalf of such person may, in such persons own name, file a petition or request from the corporation the statement described in this subsection.
(f) Upon the filing of any such petition by a stockholder, service of a copy thereof shall be made upon the surviving or resulting corporation, which shall within 20 days after such service file in the
office of the Register in Chancery in which the petition was filed a duly verified list containing the names and addresses of all stockholders who have demanded payment for their shares and with whom agreements as to the value of their shares have
not been reached by the surviving or resulting corporation. If the petition shall be filed by the surviving or resulting corporation, the petition shall be accompanied by such a duly verified list. The Register in Chancery, if so ordered by the
Court, shall give notice of the time and place fixed for the hearing of such petition by registered or certified mail to the surviving or resulting corporation and to the stockholders shown on the list at the addresses therein stated. Such notice
shall also be given by 1 or more publications at least 1 week before the day of the hearing, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wilmington, Delaware or such publication as the Court deems advisable. The forms of the
notices by mail and by publication shall be approved by the Court, and the costs thereof shall be borne by the surviving or resulting corporation.
(g) At the hearing on such petition, the Court shall determine the stockholders who have complied with this section and who have become entitled to appraisal rights. The Court may require the stockholders
who have demanded an appraisal for their shares and who hold stock represented by certificates to submit their certificates of stock to the Register in Chancery for notation thereon of the pendency of the appraisal proceedings; and if any
stockholder fails to comply with such direction, the Court may dismiss the proceedings as to such stockholder.
(h) After the Court determines
the stockholders entitled to an appraisal, the appraisal proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Court of Chancery, including any rules specifically governing appraisal proceedings. Through such proceeding the Court shall
determine the fair value of the shares exclusive of any element of value arising from the accomplishment or expectation of the merger or consolidation, together with interest, if any, to be paid upon the amount determined to be the fair value. In
determining such fair value, the Court shall take into account all relevant factors. Unless the Court in its discretion determines otherwise for good cause shown, interest from the effective date of the merger through the date of payment of the
judgment shall be compounded quarterly and shall accrue at 5% over the Federal Reserve discount rate (including any surcharge) as established from time to time during the period between the effective date of the merger and the date of payment of the
judgment. Upon application by the surviving or resulting corporation or by any stockholder entitled to participate in the appraisal proceeding, the Court may, in its discretion, proceed to trial upon the appraisal prior to the final determination of
the stockholders entitled to an appraisal. Any stockholder whose name appears on the list filed by the surviving or resulting corporation pursuant to subsection (f) of this section and who has submitted such stockholders certificates of
stock to the Register in Chancery, if such is
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required, may participate fully in all proceedings until it is finally determined that such stockholder is not entitled to appraisal rights under this section.
(i) The Court shall direct the payment of the fair value of the shares, together with interest, if any, by the surviving or resulting corporation to the
stockholders entitled thereto. Payment shall be so made to each such stockholder, in the case of holders of uncertificated stock forthwith, and the case of holders of shares represented by certificates upon the surrender to the corporation of the
certificates representing such stock. The Courts decree may be enforced as other decrees in the Court of Chancery may be enforced, whether such surviving or resulting corporation be a corporation of this State or of any state.
(j) The costs of the proceeding may be determined by the Court and taxed upon the parties as the Court deems equitable in the circumstances. Upon
application of a stockholder, the Court may order all or a portion of the expenses incurred by any stockholder in connection with the appraisal proceeding, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees and the fees and expenses of
experts, to be charged pro rata against the value of all the shares entitled to an appraisal.
(k) From and after the effective date of the
merger or consolidation, no stockholder who has demanded appraisal rights as provided in subsection (d) of this section shall be entitled to vote such stock for any purpose or to receive payment of dividends or other distributions on the stock
(except dividends or other distributions payable to stockholders of record at a date which is prior to the effective date of the merger or consolidation); provided, however, that if no petition for an appraisal shall be filed within the time
provided in subsection (e) of this section, or if such stockholder shall deliver to the surviving or resulting corporation a written withdrawal of such stockholders demand for an appraisal and an acceptance of the merger or consolidation,
either within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation as provided in subsection (e) of this section or thereafter with the written approval of the corporation, then the right of such stockholder to an appraisal shall
cease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no appraisal proceeding in the Court of Chancery shall be dismissed as to any stockholder without the approval of the Court, and such approval may be conditioned upon such terms as the Court deems just;
provided, however that this provision shall not affect the right of any stockholder who has not commenced an appraisal proceeding or joined that proceeding as a named party to withdraw such stockholders demand for appraisal and to accept the
terms offered upon the merger or consolidation within 60 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation, as set forth in subsection (e) of this section.
(l) The shares of the surviving or resulting corporation to which the shares of such objecting stockholders would have been converted had they assented to the merger or consolidation shall have the status
of authorized and unissued shares of the surviving or resulting corporation.
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Annex G
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EFiled: Feb 21 2013 05:23PM EST
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Transaction ID 49683403
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Case No. 8347
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IN THE COURT OF
CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
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OMRI VELVART, Individually and on Behalf of
All Others Similarly Situated,
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Plaintiff,
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Civil Action No.
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vs.
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.,
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ROBERT JACKSON, DUANE KULLBERG,
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CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT, FRANCIS
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LEDWIDGE, RICHARD PELL, TONY
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WILLIAMS, and GUARDIAN ACQUISITION
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CORPORATION,
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Defendants.
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VERIFIED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Plaintiff Omri Velvart (Plaintiff), by and through his attorneys, alleges upon personal knowledge as to himself, and upon
information and belief based upon, among other things, the investigation of counsel as to all other allegations herein, as follows:
SUMMARY OF THE ACTION
1. This is a shareholder class action
brought by Plaintiff on behalf of holders of the common stock of Artio Global Investors, Inc. (Artio Global or the Company) to enjoin the acquisition of the publicly owned shares of Artio Global common stock by Aberdeen
Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen or Parent) through its whollyowned subsidiary Guardian Acquisition Corporation, (Merger Sub) as detailed herein (Proposed Transaction).
2. On February 14, 2013, Artio Global announced that the Company had entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Merger Sub
would acquire all of the outstanding shares of Artio Global for $2.75 per share in cash (Merger Agreement).
3.
Specifically, the Merger Agreement provides that upon approval of a majority of the Companys shareholders, Merger Sub will be merged and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. The Company as the
surviving corporation after the Merger is referred to herein as the Surviving Corporation.
4. The Board of
Directors of Artio Global has approved the Proposed Transaction and recommended that the Companys shareholders approve the Proposed Transaction.
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5. At the effective time of the merger, each share of Artio Global common stock outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash for each share of Artio Global common stock. This is a 34% premium over the stocks closing price on February 13, 2013. The
Companys shares recently traded as high as prices of $3.54 on July 3, 2012, $17.82 on April 12, 2011 and $26.00 at the time of the companys Initial Public Offering (IPO) on September 29, 2009. In facilitating the acquisition
of Artio Global by Aberdeen for inadequate consideration and through a flawed process, each of the Defendants, as defined herein, breached and/or aided the other Defendants breaches of their fiduciary duties.
6. Defendants exacerbated their breaches of fiduciary duty by agreeing to condition the closing of the Proposed Transaction on the
completion of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement (Amended Restated TRA) between Richard Pell, Rudolph-Riad Younes, Aberdeen, Artio Global and related entities. The Amended Restated TRA provides that Messrs. Pell and Younes
(the Principals) will waive certain provisions relating to a change in control of Artio Global, and in return, Aberdeen will modify certain provision relating to payments that Messrs. Pell and Younes were entitled to under the original
tax receivable agreement with the Company from September 29, 2009. As further explained below, the Proposed Transaction provides Mr. Pell, the Companys Chief Investment Officer and a member of the Companys Board of Directors, and Mr.
Younes, an executive of the Company, with benefits that are not available to public shareholders.
7. The Merger Agreement
also provides that Artio Global must pay a termination fee of $5.7 million if the Company wishes to terminate the Merger Agreement to enter into a new agreement with a different buyer who makes a superior proposal. The Merger Agreement further
provides that the Company may not solicit other offers from other potential bidders and that Parent will have matching rights, which provide Parent with at five days to revise their offer if Artio Global receives an unsolicited, superior offer from
an alternative bidder. Concurrently with the Merger Agreement, the Company executed a voting agreement with GAM Holding AG (GAM), Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes to vote their approximate 45% of the Companys outstanding shares
in favor of the Proposed Transaction. These provisions have exacerbated Defendants breaches of fiduciary duty by agreeing to lock up the Proposed Transaction with deal protection devices that preclude other bidders from making successful
competing offers for the Company.
8. For these reasons and as set forth in detail herein, Plaintiff seeks to enjoin
Defendants from taking any steps to consummate the Proposed Transaction or, in the event the Proposed Transaction is consummated, recover damages resulting from the Individual Defendants (as defined herein) violations of their fiduciary duties
and from Artio Global and Merger Sub.
PARTIES
9. Plaintiff is, and at all relevant times was, a continuous stockholder of Defendant Artio Global.
10. Defendant Artio Global is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal executive
offices located at 330 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017. The company offers a select group of investment strategies, including High Grade Fixed Income, High Yield, International Equity, and Global Equity. Access to these strategies is offered
through a variety of investment vehicles, including separate accounts, commingled funds and mutual funds.
11. Defendant
Robert Jackson is member of the Board of Directors of Artio Global and has been a director since March 2011.
12. Defendant
Duane Kullberg is a member of the Board of Directors of Artio Global and has been a director since 2009.
13. Defendant
Christopher Wright is a member of the board of directors of Artio Global and has been a director since January 2013.
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14. Defendant Francis Ledwidge is the Chairman of the board of directors of Artio Global and
has served in that role since November 2012. He has been a member of the board of directors of Artio Global since 2009.
15.
Defendant Richard Pell is the Chief Investment Officer and a member of Artio Global board of directors. He was Chief Executive Officer from December 2007 until November 2012 and served as Chairman of the board of directors from September 2009
until November 2012.
16. Defendant Tony Williams is the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of
Artio Global and was appointed to those positions in November 2012. He was previously the Companys President since October 2011, and the Companys Chief Operating Officer since December 2007.
17. Collectively, Defendants listed in ¶¶11-16 are referred to as the Individual Defendants.
18. Defendant Merger Sub is a Delaware Corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aberdeen.
19. Collectively, Artio Global, Merger Sub, and the Individual Defendants are referred to herein as the Defendants.
THE FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS
20. By reason of the Individual Defendants positions with the Company as officers and/or directors, said individuals are in a
fiduciary relationship with Plaintiff and the other public shareholders of Artio Global (the Class) and owe Plaintiff and the other members of the Class the duties of good faith, fair dealing, and loyalty.
21. By virtue of their positions as directors and/or officers of Artio Global, the Individual Defendants, at all relevant times, had the
power to control and influence, and did control and influence and cause Artio Global to engage in the practices complained of herein.
22. Each of the Individual Defendants is required to act in good faith, in the best interests of the Companys shareholders and with due care, including reasonable inquiry. In a situation where the
directors of a publicly traded company undertake a transaction that may result in a change in corporate control, the directors must take all steps reasonably required to maximize the value shareholders will receive rather than use a change of
control to benefit themselves. To diligently comply with this duty, the directors of a corporation may not take any action that:
(a) adversely affects the value provided to the corporations shareholders;
(b) contractually prohibits them from complying with or carrying out their fiduciary duties;
(c) discourages or inhibits alternative offers to purchase control of the corporation or its assets; or
(d) will otherwise adversely affect their duty to search for and secure the best value reasonably available under the circumstances for the corporations shareholders.
23. Plaintiff alleges herein that the Individual Defendants, separately and together, in connection with the Proposed Transaction,
violated duties owed to Plaintiff and the other public shareholders of Artio Global, including their duties of loyalty, good faith and independence, insofar as they,
inter alia
, engaged in self-dealing and obtained for themselves personal
benefits, including personal financial benefits, not shared equally by Plaintiff or the public shareholders of Artio Global common stock.
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CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
24. Plaintiff brings this action on his own behalf and as a class action pursuant to Rule 23 on behalf of all holders of Artio Global
common stock who are being and will be harmed by Defendants actions described below (Class). Excluded from the Class are Defendants herein and any person, firm, trust, corporation or other entity related to or affiliated with any
of the Defendants.
25. This action is properly maintainable as a class action because:
a. The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. As of February 13, 2013, 60,508,304 shares of
Company Common Stock were issued and outstanding. The actual number of public shareholders of Artio Global will be ascertained through discovery.
b. There are questions of law and fact that are common to the Class, including:
i) whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties with respect to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction;
ii) whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duty to obtain the best price available for the
benefit of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction; and
iii)
whether Plaintiff and the other members of the Class would suffer irreparable injury were the Proposed Transaction complained of herein consummated.
c. Plaintiff is an adequate representative of the Class, and has retained competent counsel experienced in litigation of this nature and will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the Class.
d. Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class and Plaintiff does not
have any interests adverse to the Class.
e. The prosecution of separate actions by individual members of the
Class would create a risk of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the Class.
f. Defendants have acted on grounds generally applicable to the Class with respect to the matters complained of herein, thereby making
appropriate the relief sought herein with respect to the Class as a whole.
SUBSTANTIVE ALLEGATIONS
A.
The Proposed Transaction
26. Artio Global, together with its subsidiaries and related companies, provides investment management services to institutional and mutual funds. The Company manages and advises the Artio Global Funds,
commingled institutional investment vehicles, separate accounts, sub-advisory accounts, and a hedge fund. The Company also invests in select new product initiatives, by providing critical asset mass or seed money investments.
27. Prior to September 29, 2009, Artio Global was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAM, a Swiss Corporation. On September 29, 2009, the
Company completed an IPO of 25.0 million shares on the Companys Class A common stock at a price of $26.00. Following the IPO, GAM owned approximately 27.9% of the outstanding shares of the Companys stock through its ownership of the
outstanding shares of the Companys Class C common stock.
28. According to the Companys 10Q filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2009, Mssrs. Pell and Younes, each made various transactions immediately prior to the Companys IPO, resulting in their ownership of approximately a 26% interest in the Company.
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Each Principal had a 15% Class B profits interest in Artio Global, which was accounted for
as compensation for financial accounting purposes. Immediately prior to the IPO, each Principal exchanged his Class B profits interest for a 15% non-voting Class A membership interest in [Artio Global] (New Class A Units). Each Principal
also purchased, at par value, nine million shares of voting, non-participating, Investors Class B common stock (Class B common stock). In addition, the Principals entered into a tax receivable agreement with the Company (see
Note 4. Tax Receivable Agreement
). Upon the exchange of their Class B profits interests for vested New Class A Units, the fair value of the Class B profits interests was adjusted to reflect the offering price of Class A common stock, and
totaled $468.0 million. This resulted in an additional compensation charge related to the redemption value of the Class B profits interests of $215.8 million that was recorded concurrent with the IPO and represents the difference between the fair
value of $468.0 million and the related liability immediately prior to the IPO of $252.2 million ($201.9 million as of December 31, 2008). In addition, we recorded a compensation charge of $97.9 million relating to the estimated present value of the
tax receivable agreement (see
Note 4. Tax Receivable Agreement
). As the Principals new economic interests will be accounted for as equity, the adjusted liability of $565.9 million was reclassified into
Additional paid-in capital
on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The related deferred tax asset of $110.3 million ($88.3 million as of December 31, 2008) was de-recognized and charged to expense. The Principals New Class A Units, representing an
approximate 26% interest in [Artio Global], are accounted for by us as non-controlling interests.
29. On February 14, 2013,
Artio Global issued a press release announcing the Proposed Transaction:
Artio Global Investors Inc. Enters into Agreement
to be Acquired by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC
NEW YORK(BUSINESS WIRE)Feb. 14, 2013Artio Global
Investors Inc. (NYSE: ART) (Artio Global or the Company), today announced that it has entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the Merger Agreement) with Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen),
a global asset management firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, pursuant to which Aberdeen will acquire Artio Global for $2.75 in cash per share (the Transaction). The price represents a premium of approximately 34% over the
closing price of Artio Globals common stock as of February 13, 2013, and a premium of approximately 37% over the average closing price of Artio Globals common stock during the 30 trading days ending February 13, 2013.
I am delighted to be able to announce this merger, which we believe will be very beneficial for our clients and shareholders,
said Tony Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Artio Global. Aberdeen brings vast financial strength, with a market cap of over $7.5 billion, and has a strong investment-centric culture consistent with Artio Globals.
Our High Grade and Global High Yield teams will form a core part of Aberdeens fixed income capabilities, enhanced by the depth
of its resources. We will continue to manage our International Equity and Global Equity strategies until the anticipated closing date, at which time Aberdeen will assume investment management responsibilities for them, subject to client consent.
Aberdeen has a strong record of investment performance and we are confident that our clients will benefit from its robust investment process and global footprint of analytical resources.
Artio Globals Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, unanimously approved
the Merger Agreement and resolved to recommend that the Companys shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Transaction.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding AG, Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, have entered into voting agreements providing that they will vote in favor of the
Transaction. In aggregate, these shareholders represent approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares as of February 13, 2013. In addition, Messrs. Pell and Younes entered into an amended and restated tax receivable agreement with
Aberdeen and Artio Global pursuant to which, effective at closing of the Transaction, Messrs. Pell and Younes agreed to waive certain provisions relating to a change in control of
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Artio Global and Aberdeen agreed to modify certain provisions relating to payments that Messrs. Pell and Younes were entitled to under the original tax receivable agreement.
The Transaction, which is currently expected to close by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2013, is subject
to customary closing conditions, including, U.S. antitrust approval, approval of a majority of Artio Global shareholders and approval of certain Artio Global mutual fund shareholders.
Goldman Sachs & Co. is acting as financial advisor and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal advisor to the special
committee of Artio Globals Board of Directors. J.P. Morgan Limited is acting as financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is acting as legal advisor to Aberdeen.
C.
The Unfair Price
30. As discussed herein, the $2.75 per share
consideration offered in the Proposed Transaction is inadequate. This offer price is a discount of almost 90% from the common stocks IPO price of $26.00 on September 29, 2007. The Companys shares recently traded at a high price of $3.54
on July 2, 2012.
31. According to Bloomberg, the Companys revenue, total assets, and free cash flow multiples for the
proposed transaction fall below the multiples for comparable transactions.
32. Artio Global, if properly exposed to the
market for corporate control, would bring a price materially in excess of the amount offered in the Proposed Transaction.
D.
Self-Dealing
33. In its press release announcing the Proposed Transaction, the Company announced that:
At the time of Artio Globals initial public offering, on September 29, 2009, Artio Global and Richard Pell and Rudoph-Riad Younes
(the Principals) entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement (the TRA). In connection with and as an inducement for Aberdeen and Merger Subsidiary to enter into the Merger Agreement, the Principals, Artio Global, Artio Global
Holdings LLC, Aberdeen and Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. entered into an Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement (the Amended Restated TRA), in which the parties agreed to certain changes to the TRA, effective upon the closing of
the Merger, including without limitation:
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Beginning in 2014, the tax benefit payments to the Principals would be based on actual taxable income of the new consolidated group. Under the TRA, tax
benefit payments would have become fixed, assuming full utilization of all available tax benefits each year, upon a change of control, but for the changes agreed to by the Principals in the Amended Restated TRA which eliminated this prior benefit in
their favor.
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The Amended Restated TRA would not affect the treatment of the 2012 benefit or the 2012 net operating loss (NOL) carryback to 2011, all of
which have already accrued on Artio Globals balance sheet. For 2013, Artio Global would pay the Principals 85% of 35% of the amount of the tax benefit items for 2013, an estimated $7.0 million payment, a material portion of which will have
accrued on Artio Globals balance sheet by the Effective Time;
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Beginning in 2014, unlike under the TRA originally, Aberdeens U.S. NOLs would be taken into account before Artio Globals historic tax
benefits, which could reduce the likelihood or amount of payments to the Principals. If the Principals do not receive a tax benefit payment in a given year as a result of this ordering rule, and thereafter begin to receive such payments, they are
entitled to 100% of the tax benefit payments (attributable to Artio Globals historic tax benefits) until they catch up to an 85%/15% split of such benefits (to which they would have been originally entitled under the TRA);
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All references in the TRA to changes of control would be deleted, permanently eliminating potential change of control benefits to the Principals that
had applied under the TRA originally; and
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Payment obligations to the Principals under the Amended Restated TRA would be guaranteed by Aberdeen to the extent amended under the Amended Restated
TRA.
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34. The Amended Restated TRA provides Mssrs. Pell and Younes with substantial tax benefits and
guarantees in exchange for their the elimination of potential change of control benefits. In negotiating and entering into this Amended Restated TRA, Defendants have secured benefits for Companys insiders that will not be shared by other
public shareholders.
E.
The Preclusive Deal Protection Devices
35. Despite the unfair price, the Merger Agreement has a number of provisions that makes it more difficult for another buyer to purchase
the Company.
36. Specifically, if the Company terminates the Proposed Transaction, the Company must pay to Parent a
termination fee of $5,700,000, or over 3% of the Proposed Transaction estimated total value. Thus, if the Company decides to pursue another offer, the alternate bidder would essentially be required to pay a naked premium for the right to provide the
shareholders with a superior offer.
37. The Company further exacerbated the unfair terms of the Proposed Transaction by
entering into a voting agreement with GAM Holding AG, Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, to vote their share in favor of the Transaction. In aggregate, these shareholders represent approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares as of
February 13, 2013, thus making majority approval of the Proposed Transaction a virtual
fait accompli
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38. The Company
also improperly limited its ability to properly shop the Company by agreeing to a strict non-solicitation clause and matching-rights provisions. These provisions prevent the Company or any of its subsidiaries from soliciting, initiating, or
knowingly facilitating the submission of inquiries, proposals or offers for the acquisition of the Company. If such a superior offer is made to acquire the Company, the Company is required to provide Aberdeen with the material terms of the superior
offer and then provide Aberdeen with five business days to revise the terms of its offer.
39. Collectively, these
provisions substantially and improperly limit the Boards ability to act with respect to investigating and pursuing superior proposals and alternatives, including a sale of all or part of Artio Global.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against the Individual Defendants for Breach of Fiduciary Duties)
40. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each allegation set forth herein.
41. The Individual Defendants have violated fiduciary duties owed to public shareholders of Artio Global.
42. By the acts, transactions and courses of conduct alleged herein, the Individual Defendants have failed to obtain for Artio
Globals public shareholders the highest value available for Artio Global in the marketplace.
43. As demonstrated by the
allegations above, the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties owed to the shareholders of Artio Global because they failed to take steps to maximize the value of Artio Global to its public shareholders in a change of control
transaction.
44. As a result of the actions of defendants, Plaintiff and the Class will suffer irreparable injury in that they
have not and will not receive the highest available value for their equity interest in Artio Global. Unless the Individual Defendants are enjoined by the Court, they will continue to breach their fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiff and the members of
the Class, all to the irreparable harm of the members of the Class.
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45. Plaintiff and the members of the Class have no adequate remedy at law. Only through the
exercise of this Courts equitable powers can Plaintiff and the Class be fully protected from immediate and irreparable injury, which the Individual Defendants actions threaten to inflict.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against Artio Global and Merger Sub for Aiding and Abetting the
Individual Defendants Breaches of Fiduciary Duty
46. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each allegation set forth herein.
47. Artio Global and Merger Sub have acted and are acting with knowledge of, or with reckless disregard to, the fact that the Individual
Defendants are in breach of their fiduciary duties to Artio Globals public shareholders, and have participated in such breaches of fiduciary duties.
48. Artio Global and Merger Sub knowingly aided and abetted the Individual Defendants wrongdoing alleged herein. In so doing, Artio Global and Merger Sub rendered substantial assistance in order to
effectuate the Individual Defendants plan to consummate the Proposed Transaction in breach of their fiduciary duties.
49. Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE
, Plaintiff demands relief in
his favor and in favor of the Class and against Defendants as follows:
A. Declaring that this action is properly maintainable
as a Class action and certifying Plaintiff as Class representatives;
B. Enjoining Defendants, their agents, counsel,
employees and all persons acting in concert with them from consummating the Proposed Transaction, unless and until the Company adopts and implements a procedure or process to obtain a merger agreement providing the best available terms for
shareholders;
C. Rescinding, to the extent already implemented, the Proposed Transaction or any of the terms thereof, or
granting Plaintiff and the Class rescissory damages;
D. Directing the Individual Defendants to account to Plaintiff and the
Class for all damages suffered as a result of the wrongdoing;
E. Awarding Plaintiff the costs and disbursements of this
action, including reasonable attorney and experts fees; and
F. Granting such other and further equitable relief
as this Court may deem just and proper.
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Dated: February 21, 2013
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MARK ANDERSEN, P.A.
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/s/ Eric M. Andersen
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Eric M. Andersen (No. 4376)
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1201 N. Orange St., 3rd Floor
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Wilmington, DE 19801
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Email: ericandersen@attorney-cpa.com
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Telephone: (302) 559-2119
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OF COUNSEL:
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KAHN SWICK & FOTI, LLC
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Kim E. Miller
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500 Fifth Ave., Suite 1810
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New York, NY 10110
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Telephone: (212) 696-3730
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Facsimile: (504) 455-1498
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Email: kim.miller@ksfcounsel.com
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Lewis S. Kahn
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206 Covington Street
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Madisonville, Louisiana 70447
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Telephone: (504) 455-1400
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Facsimile: (504) 455-1498
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Email: lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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Annex H
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EFiled: Mar 01 2013 07:59PM EST
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Transaction ID 49889830
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Case No. 8376
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IN THE COURT OF
CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
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HARRY WALDNER, Individually And On
Behalf Of All Others Similarly Situated,
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Plaintiff,
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v.
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C.A. No.
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.,
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CHRISTOPHER B. WRIGHT, DUANE R.
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KULLBERG, ROBERT T. JACKSON,
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FRANCIS J. LEDWIDGE, TONY WILLIAMS,
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RICHARD PELL, ABERDEEN ASSET
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MANAGEMENT PLC and GUARDIAN
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ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
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Defendants.
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CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Harry Waldner (Plaintiff), by and through his attorneys, alleges upon information and belief, except to paragraph
11 which is alleged upon personal knowledge, as follows:
SUMMARY OF THE ACTION
1. This is a shareholder class action brought by Plaintiff on behalf of holders of the common stock of Artio Global Investors Inc.
(Artio or the Company) to enjoin the acquisition of the publicly owned shares of Artio common stock by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen), and its wholly owned subsidiary Guardian Acquisition Corporation
(Merger Sub), as detailed herein (the Proposed Transaction).
2. On February 14, 2013, Artio and
Aberdeen jointly announced that they had reached a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger whereby Aberdeen, through its wholly owned subsidiary, would acquire all outstanding shares of Artio for $2.75 in cash per share (Merger
Agreement) in a transaction valued at approximately $175 million.
3. Specifically, the Merger Agreement provides that
upon approval of a majority of Artio shareholders, Merger Sub will merge with and into Artio, whereupon the separate existence of Merger Sub will cease and Artio will be the surviving corporation and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of
Aberdeen (Merger). At the effective time of the Merger, each share of Artio common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger will be converted into the right to receive $2.75 in cash, without interest and
less any applicable withholding taxes.
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4. Beginning in 2010, Artios stock price languished mostly due to the poor performance
of its international equity funds. As a result of these losses, the Company changed its business strategy by concentrating on managing its expenses, maintaining the strength of its balance sheet, and focusing on investing for future growth.
Fortunately, the Company has been able to stabilize its losses.
5. Aberdeen is well aware of Artios improving financial
metrics. Aberdeen recognized that it had an opportunity to cash in on Artios undervalued stock price by acquiring the Company before it fully recovered through Artios initiatives to improve financial performance. Thus, Aberdeen, in
possession of non-public information regarding the performance of Artio, is taking advantage of its position to acquire the Company at a substantial discount to its true value.
6. Accordingly, the consideration offered in the Proposed Transaction is unfair and grossly inadequate, because among other things, the
intrinsic value of Artios common stock is materially in excess of the amount offered, given the Companys anticipated operating results, net asset value and future profitability. While the Companys shareholders are offered grossly
inadequate consideration, each of the Individual Defendants (defined herein) and other key executives will reap windfall benefits from the Proposed Transaction in the form of payments for both vested and unvested stock options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock, continued employment with the new company, retention bonuses, and severance payments.
7. To ensure
the success of the Proposed Transaction, Artios Board of Directors (the Board) locked up the deal by agreeing to impermissible deal-protection devices, effectively rendering the Proposed Transaction a
fait
daccompli
. For example, the Board agreed to: (i) a no-shop provision that prevents the Company from negotiating with or providing confidential Company information to competing bidders except under extremely limited
circumstances; (ii) a matching rights provision that allows Aberdeen five (5) business days to match any competing proposal in the unlikely event that one emerges; and (iii) a $5.7 million termination fee to be paid to
Aberdeen if the Board agrees to a competing proposal.
8. In a further attempt to lock up the Proposed Transaction,
shareholders, GAM Holding AG (GAM Holding) (Artios former parent company), Richard Pell (Pell) (Artios former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and current Chief Investment officer) and Rudolph-Riad Younes
(Younes) (Artios current Head of International Equities), representing approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares, entered into Voting Agreements whereby they committed to vote their shares in favor of the Proposed
Transaction. Consequently, only approximately 10% of the shares not owned by GAM Holding, Pell and Younes are needed to vote yes to approve the Proposed Transaction.
9. In pursuing the unlawful plan to facilitate the acquisition of Artio by Aberdeen for grossly inadequate consideration, through a flawed process, each of the Defendants (as defined herein) violated
applicable law by directly breaching and/or aiding the other Defendants breaches of their fiduciary duties of loyalty, due care, independence, good faith and fair dealing.
10. For these reasons and as set forth in detail herein, Plaintiff seeks to enjoin Defendants from taking any steps to consummate the
Merger or, in the event the Merger is consummated, recover damages resulting from the Individual Defendants violations of their fiduciary duties of loyalty, good faith and due care.
THE PARTIES
11. Plaintiff Harry Waldner is, and at all relevant times was, a continuous stockholder of defendant Artio.
12. Artio is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, with its principal executive offices located at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Artio, through an indirect
registered investment adviser subsidiary, invests in global fixed income and equity markets primarily for institutional and intermediary clients. Investment strategies offered include High Grade Fixed Income, High Yield, International
H-2
Equity and Global Equity through vehicles including separate accounts, commingled funds and mutual funds. Artio stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ART.
13. Defendant Christopher B. Wright (Wright) has been a director of the Company since January 2013. Wright is a
member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
14.
Defendant Duane R. Kullberg (Kullberg) has been a director of the Company since 2009. Kullberg is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
15. Defendant Robert T. Jackson (Jackson) has served as a director of the Company since March 2011. Jackson is a member of
both the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
16. Defendant Francis J. Ledwidge (Ledwidge) joined the
Company in 2009 as a director and has been Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors since November 2012. Ledwidge is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of both the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee.
17. Defendant Tony Williams (Williams) has served as CEO and a director of the Company since November
2012. Williams was previously the Companys President since October 2011, the Chief Operating Officer since December 2007 and a member of the Board of Directors from 2004 through September 2009.
18. Defendant Richard Pell (Pell) has served as a director of the Company since 2009. Pell has been the Companys Chief
Investment Officer since 1995, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from December 2007 until November 2012 and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from September 2009 until November 2012.
19. Defendants Wright, Kullberg, Jackson, Ledwidge, Williams, and Pell are collectively referred to hereinafter as the Individual
Defendants.
20. Each of the Individual Defendants herein is sued individually, and as an aider and abettor, as well as
in his or her capacity as an officer and/or director of the Company, and the liability of each arises from the fact that he or she has engaged in all or part of the unlawful acts, plans, schemes, or transactions complained of herein.
21. Defendant Aberdeen is company organized under the laws of the United Kingdom and headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen is an
asset management firm. Aberdeen stock is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN.
22. Defendant
Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen formed solely for the purpose of entering into the Merger Agreement and consummating the Merger. Upon completion of the Merger, Merger Sub will merge with and
into Artio and Merger Sub will cease to exist as a separate corporate entity.
23. Collectively, the Individual Defendants,
Aberdeen, Artio and Merger Sub are referred to herein as the Defendants.
THE FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF THE
INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS
24. By reason of the Individual Defendants positions with the Company as officers and/or
directors, said individuals are in a fiduciary relationship with Plaintiff and the other shareholders of Artio and owe Plaintiff and the other members of the Class (defined herein) the duties of care, good faith, fair dealing and loyalty.
H-3
25. By virtue of their positions as directors and/or officers of Artio, the Individual
Defendants, at all relevant times, had the power to control and influence, and did control and influence and cause Artio to engage in the practices complained of herein.
26. Each of the Individual Defendants is required to act in good faith, in the best interests of the Companys shareholders and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as would be expected of
an ordinarily prudent person. In a situation where the directors of a publicly traded company undertake a transaction that may result in a change in corporate control, the directors must take all steps reasonably required to maximize the value
shareholders will receive rather than use a change of control to benefit themselves. To diligently comply with this duty, the directors of a corporation may not take any action that:
(a) adversely affects the value provided to the corporations shareholders;
(b) contractually prohibits them from complying with or carrying out their fiduciary duties;
(c) discourages or inhibits alternative offers to purchase control of the corporation or its assets;
(d) will otherwise adversely affect their duty to search for and secure the best value reasonably available under the circumstances
for the corporations shareholders; or
(e) will provide the directors and/or officers with preferential treatment at the
expense of, or separate from, the public shareholders.
27. Plaintiff alleges herein that the Individual Defendants,
separately and together, in connection with the Proposed Transaction, violated duties owed to Plaintiff and the other shareholders of Artio, including their duties of loyalty, good faith and independence, insofar as they,
inter alia
, engaged
in self-dealing and obtained for themselves personal benefits, including personal financial benefits, not shared equally by Plaintiff or the other shareholders of Artio common stock.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
28. Plaintiff brings this action on his own behalf and as a class action pursuant to Rule 23, on behalf of all holders of Artio common stock who are being and will be harmed by Defendants actions
described below (the Class). Excluded from the Class are Defendants herein and any person, firm, trust, corporation or other entity related to or affiliated with any of the Defendants.
29. This action is properly maintainable as a class action because:
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(a)
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The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. As of February 13, 2013, 60,508,304 shares of Artio common stock were issued and
outstanding. The actual number of public shareholders of Artio will be ascertained through discovery;
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(b)
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There are questions of law and fact which are common to the Class, including
inter alia
the following:
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(i)
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whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties of undivided loyalty, independence or due care with respect to plaintiff and the other members of
the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction;
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(ii)
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whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duty to secure and obtain the best price reasonable under the circumstances for the benefit of Plaintiff
and the other members of the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction; and
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(iii)
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whether Plaintiff and the other members of the Class would suffer irreparable injury were the Proposed Transaction complained of herein consummated
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(c)
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Plaintiff is an adequate representative of the Class, has retained competent counsel experienced in litigation of this nature and will fairly and adequately protect the
interests of the Class;
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H-4
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(d)
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Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class and Plaintiff does not have any interests adverse to the Class;
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(e)
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The prosecution of separate actions by individual members of the Class would create a risk of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members
of the Class which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for the party opposing the Class; and
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(f)
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Defendants have acted on grounds generally applicable to the Class with respect to the matters complained of herein, thereby making appropriate the relief sought herein
with respect to the Class as a whole.
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SUBSTANTIVE ALLEGATIONS
A.
Background
30. Artio is a publicly owned asset management holding company that provides portfolio management and fund management services to its
clients. Artio, which became a public company in 2009 after being spun off from Swiss wealth manager, Julius Baer Group, Ltd., was performing greatly just several years ago with nearly $56 billion in assets under management. However, since going
public at $26 a share, the Company has seen its stock price drop approximately 92% to approximately $2 a share and its assets under management drop 74% to $14.3 billion at the end of December 2012. The primary reason for the drop is mostly related
to the poor performance in its international equity funds.
31. As a result of these losses, the Company changed its business
strategy. Commenting on Artios new strategy, Pell stated:
Strategically, we have realigned the business around our
expertise in cross-border investing across both equity and fixed income markets, with particular focus on repairing our International Equity track records and growing our highly rated fixed income strategies. At the same time, we continue to
concentrate on managing our expenses and maintaining the strength of our balance sheet, and remain focused on investing for future growth.
32. Currently, Artio appears poised for a major rebound as investors redemptions from its funds appear to be slowing down significantly. In October 2012, the Company reported that it had $16.7
billion in assets under management. Artio reported in November 2012 its assets under management dropped approximately 10% to $15 billion. In December 2012, the assets under management only dropped by 4% to about $14.3 billion. Now, the Company has
reported that as of January 2013, its assets under management are $14 billion, a loss of only about 2%. According to a report from
seekingalpha.com
, [t]his could be a sign that the worst is over and it might also mean that Artios
remaining AUM might be at levels which include its core investor base. Core investors who have stuck it out this long are probably not likely to leave the firm.
33. Artio also has a solid fixed-income business that has performed well and seen growth in its assets under management over the past
several years. Some of Artios funds are outperforming their peers. Michael Kim, an analyst with Sandler ONeill & Partners LP in New York, who has a hold rating on Globals stock, said that the Companys bond funds have
performed better than its equity funds. According to
Bloomberg
, the $2.1 billion Artio Total Return Bond Fund beat 78 percent of peers over the past five years and the $2.9 billion Artio Global High Income Fund beat 60 percent of peers over
the past five years.
B.
The Proposed Transaction
34. On February 14, 2013, Aberdeen and Artio issued a joint press release announcing the Proposed Transaction which stated:
NEW YORK(BUSINESS WIRE)Feb. 14, 2013Artio Global Investors Inc. (ART) (Artio Global or the Company), today announced that it has entered into an agreement and
plan of merger (the Merger
H-5
Agreement) with Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen), a global asset management firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, pursuant to which Aberdeen will acquire Artio
Global for $2.75 in cash per share (the Transaction). The price represents a premium of approximately 34% over the closing price of Artio Globals common stock as of February 13, 2013, and a premium of approximately 37% over
the average closing price of Artio Globals common stock during the 30 trading days ending February 13, 2013.
I am delighted to be able to announce this merger, which we believe will be very beneficial for our clients and shareholders,
said Tony Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Artio Global. Aberdeen brings vast financial strength, with a market cap of over $7.5 billion, and has a strong investment-centric culture consistent with Artio Globals.
Our High Grade and Global High Yield teams will form a core part of Aberdeens fixed income capabilities, enhanced by the depth
of its resources. We will continue to manage our International Equity and Global Equity strategies until the anticipated closing date, at which time Aberdeen will assume investment management responsibilities for them, subject to client consent.
Aberdeen has a strong record of investment performance and we are confident that our clients will benefit from its robust investment process and global footprint of analytical resources.
Artio Globals Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, unanimously approved
the Merger Agreement and resolved to recommend that the Companys shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Transaction.
Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding AG, Richard Pell and Rudolph-Riad Younes, have entered into voting agreements providing that they will vote in favor of the
Transaction. In aggregate, these shareholders represent approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares as of February 13, 2013. In addition, Messrs. Pell and Younes entered into an amended and restated tax receivable agreement with
Aberdeen and Artio Global pursuant to which, effective at closing of the Transaction, Messrs. Pell and Younes agreed to waive certain provisions relating to a change in control of Artio Global and Aberdeen agreed to modify certain provisions
relating to payments that Messrs. Pell and Younes were entitled to under the original tax receivable agreement.
The
Transaction, which is currently expected to close by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2013, is subject to customary closing conditions, including, U.S. antitrust approval, approval of a majority of Artio Global
shareholders and approval of certain Artio Global mutual fund shareholders.
35. The $2.75 per share consideration offered in
the Proposed Transaction is unfair and grossly inadequate because, among other things, the intrinsic value of Artios common stock is materially in excess of the amount offered given the Companys recent financial performance together with
its prospects for future growth and earnings. Indeed, according to
The Wall Street Journal
, Martin Gilbert (Gilbert), the CEO of Aberdeen, said in an interview that he was interested in Artios fixed-income funds, not its
international equity products.
36. Furthermore, Artios stock has traded above the consideration price as recently as
October 2, 2012. The decline in Artios stock price appears to be an overreaction to performance of its international equity products. Now, the Company is in a position to make a comeback as a result of its strong balance sheet, its $14
billion in assets under management, its redemptions slowing down significantly and its funds outperforming its competitors. Therefore, the price of $2.75 is an illusory premium because Artios shares are undervalued and have recently traded
higher than the consideration offered in the Proposed Transaction.
37. With all of the Companys strengths, it comes as
no surprise that analysts see value in the stock. In the December 11, 2012
seekingalpha.com
article, Finally, Downside Protection At Artio, Liron Manor wrote that Artio Global shares are worth about $4 per share because,
among other reasons, the Company has a pristine balance sheet and a stable AUM [assets under management] of $11 billion in fixed income and Other[.] Likewise, the Companys strength is further confirmed by the research
reports issued by Ford Equity Research,
which noted that the Companys earnings strength have shown strong acceleration in
quarterly growth rates and relative valuation which indicates that it is undervalued.
H-6
38. Rather than permitting the Companys shares to continue trade freely or grow the
business through its changed business practices and allowing its public shareholders to reap the benefits of the Companys increasingly positive prospects and future financial success, the Individual Defendants acted for their own benefit and
the benefit of Aberdeen, and to the detriment of the Companys shareholders, by entering into the Merger Agreement. The Individual Defendants effectively capped Aberdeens price at a time when the Company was poised to capitalize on its
long term plan of growth by reducing costs and maximizing its return for shareholders.
39. Additionally, the Proposed
Transaction favors the Companys insiders who may continue their employment at the combined company while also receiving immediate stock options vesting. While the decision has not been made as to which executives will stay, Gilbert, CEO of
Aberdeen, stated that, we would certainly be speaking to people and see who wants to stay and who wants to go.
40. Finally, Aberdeen and Artio entered into the Tax Agreement with Pell and Younes. Through the Tax Agreement, Pell and Younes are
receiving additional consideration in the Proposed Transaction. The Tax Agreement allows Pell and Younes to share in millions of dollars of tax benefits to be realized by Aberdeen and Artio.
41. In sum, having failed to maximize the sale price for the Company, the Individual Defendants have breached the fiduciary duties they
owe to the Companys public stockholders because the Company has been improperly valued and stockholders will not likely receive adequate or fair value for their Artio common stock in the Proposed Transaction.
C.
The Preclusive Deal Protection Devices
42. As part of the Merger Agreement, the Individual Defendants agreed to certain onerous and preclusive deal protection devices that operate conjunctively to make the Proposed Transaction a
fait
daccompli
and ensure that no competing offers will emerge for the Company.
43. First, the Merger Agreement contains
a strict no shop provision prohibiting the members of Artio from taking any affirmative action to comply with their fiduciary duties to maximize shareholder value, including soliciting alternative acquisition proposals or business
combinations. The Merger Agreement also includes a strict standstill provision which prohibits, except under extremely limited circumstances, the Defendants from even engaging in discussions or negotiations relating to proposals
regarding alternative business combinations. In addition to the no-shop and standstill provisions, the Merger Agreement includes a $5.7 million termination fee that in combination will all but ensure that no competing offer will be forthcoming.
44. Specifically, §7.7(a) of the Merger Agreement includes a no solicitation provision barring the Board and
any Company personnel from attempting to procure a price in excess of the amount offered by Aberdeen. This section also demands that the Company terminate any and all prior or on-going discussions with other potential suitors.
45. Similarly, §7.7(e) of the Merger Agreement provides a matching rights provision whereby the Company must notify Aberdeen of any
unsolicited competing bidders offer within 24 hours. Then, under §7.7(d) of the Merger Agreement, if and only if the Board determines that the competing offer constitutes a Superior Offer, Aberdeen is granted five days to
amend the terms of the Merger Agreement to make a counter-offer that the Company must consider in determining whether the competing bid still constitutes a Superior Offer.
46. Thus, even if the Artio Board receives an intervening bid that appears to be superior to Aberdeens offer, they are
precluded from even entering into discussions and negotiations unless they first reasonably determine in good faith that the alternative proposal is, in fact, superior, and give Aberdeen notice to match the competing offer. Consequently,
this provision prevents the Artio Board from exercising their fiduciary duties and precludes an investigation into competing proposals unless, as a prerequisite, the majority of the Artio Board first determines that the proposal is
superior.
H-7
47. In a further effort to lock up the Proposed Transaction, GAM Holding, Pell, and Younes,
representing approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares, entered into Voting Agreements whereby they committed to vote their shares in favor of the Proposed Transaction. Consequently, only approximately 10% of the shares not owned by
GAM Holding, Pell and Younes are needed to vote yes to approve the Proposed Transaction.
48. These provisions cumulatively
discourage bidders from making a competing bid for the Company.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
Claim for Breach of Fiduciary Duties Against the Individual Defendants
49. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each allegation set forth herein.
50. The Individual Defendants have violated fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, candor and good faith owed to public shareholders of
Artio.
51. By the acts, transactions and courses of conduct alleged herein, the Individual Defendants, individually and
acting as a part of a common plan, are attempting to unfairly deprive Plaintiff and other members of the Class of the true value of their investment in Artio.
52. As demonstrated by the allegations above, the Individual Defendants failed to exercise the care required, and breached their duties of loyalty, good faith, candor and independence owed to the
shareholders of Artio because, among other reasons, they failed to take steps to maximize the value of Artio to its public shareholders.
53. The Individual Defendants dominate and control the business and corporate affairs of Artio, and are in possession of private corporate information concerning Artios assets, business and future
prospects. Thus, there exists an imbalance and disparity of knowledge and economic power between them and the public shareholders of Artio which makes it inherently unfair for them to benefit their own interests to the exclusion of maximizing
shareholder value.
54. By reason of the foregoing acts, practices and course of conduct, the Individual Defendants have
failed to exercise ordinary care and diligence in the exercise of their fiduciary obligations toward Plaintiff and the other members of the Class.
55. As a result of the actions of defendants, Plaintiff and the Class will suffer irreparable injury in that they have not and will not receive their fair portion of the value of Artios assets and
businesses and have been and will be prevented from obtaining a fair price for their common stock.
56. Unless the Individual
Defendants are enjoined by the Court, they will continue to breach their fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiff and the members of the Class, all to the irreparable harm of the members of the Class.
57. Plaintiff and the members of the Class have no adequate remedy at law. Only through the exercise of this Courts equitable
powers can Plaintiff and the Class be fully protected from the immediate and irreparable injury which the Individual Defendants actions threaten to inflict.
H-8
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
On Behalf of Plaintiff and the Class
Against Aberdeen for Aiding and Abetting the
Individual
Defendants Breaches of Fiduciary Duty
58. Plaintiff incorporates by reference and realleges each and every
allegation contained above, as though fully set forth herein.
59. Aberdeen has acted and is acting with knowledge of, or with
reckless disregard to, the fact that the Individual Defendants are in breach of their fiduciary duties to Artios public shareholders, and has participated in such breaches of fiduciary duties.
60. Aberdeen knowingly aided and abetted the Individual Defendants wrongdoing alleged herein. In so doing, Aberdeen rendered
substantial assistance in order to effectuate the Individual Defendants plan to consummate the Merger in breach of their fiduciary duties.
61. Plaintiff has no adequate remedy at law.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands injunctive relief in his favor and in favor of the Class and against Defendants as
follows:
A. Declaring that this action is properly maintainable as a Class action and certifying Plaintiff as Class
representative;
B. Enjoining Defendants, their agents, counsel, employees and all persons acting in concert with them from
consummating the Merger, unless and until the Company adopts and implements a procedure or process to obtain a merger agreement providing the best possible terms for shareholders;
C. Rescinding, to the extent already implemented, the Merger or any of the terms thereof, or granting Plaintiff and the Class rescissory
damages;
D. Directing the Individual Defendants to account to Plaintiff and the Class for all damages suffered as a result of
the Individual Defendants wrongdoing;
E. Awarding Plaintiff the costs and disbursements of this action, including reasonable
attorneys and experts fees; and
F. Granting such other and further equitable relief as this Court may deem just
and proper.
Dated: March 1, 2013
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Peter B. Andrews (#4623)
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Craig J. Springer (#5529)
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20 Montchanin Road, Suite 145
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Wilmington, DE 19807
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Tel: (302) 482-3182
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Fax: (302) 482-3612
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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H-9
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OF COUNSEL:
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FARUQI & FARUQI, LLP
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Juan E. Monteverde
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369 Lexington Avenue, 10
th
Fl.
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New York, NY 10017
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Tel.: (212) 983-9330
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Fax: (212) 983-9331
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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H-10
Annex I
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EFiled: Mar 07 2013 03:53PM EST
Transaction ID 49949915
Case No.
8389
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IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
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ANDREW HUNT, individually and on behalf
of all others similarly situated,
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)
)
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)
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Plaintiff,
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) Civil Action No.
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)
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v.
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)
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)
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TONY WILLIAMS, ROBERT JACKSON,
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)
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DUANE KULLBERG, CHRISTOPHER
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)
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WRIGHT, FRANCIS LEDWIDGE,
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)
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RICHARD PELL, ARTIO GLOBAL
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)
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INVESTORS INC., ABERDEEN ASSET
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)
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MANAGEMENT PLC, and GUARDIAN
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)
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ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
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)
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Defendants.
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)
)
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VERIFIED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
FOR BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY
Plaintiff, Andrew Hunt, by his attorneys, alleges upon information and belief, except for his own acts, which are alleged on knowledge, as follows:
1. Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of the public stockholders of Artio Global Investors Inc. (Artio or the
Company) against the members of Artios Board of Directors (the Board or the Individual Defendants) for their breaches of fiduciary duties arising out of their attempt to sell the Company to Aberdeen Asset
Management PLC (Aberdeen) by means of an unfair process and for an unfair price.
2. On February 14, 2013,
Aberdeen and the Company announced a definitive agreement under which Aberdeen, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Guardian Acquisition Corporation (Merger Sub), will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Artio in an all-cash
transaction for $2.75 per share (the Proposed Transaction). The Proposed Transaction is valued at approximately $175 million. The Board members have breached their fiduciary duties by agreeing to the Proposed Transaction for inadequate
consideration. As described in more detail below, given Artios recent strong performance, as well as its future growth prospects, the consideration stockholders will receive is inadequate and undervalues the Company.
3. Defendants have exacerbated their breaches of fiduciary duty by agreeing to lock up the Proposed Transaction with unreasonable deal
protection devices that serve to improperly hinder other bidders from making a successful competing offer for the Company. Specifically, pursuant to the merger agreement dated February 13, 2013 (the Merger Agreement), defendants agreed
to: (i) a strict no-solicitation provision that prevents the
I-1
Company from soliciting other potential acquirers or even continuing discussions and negotiations with potential acquirers; (ii) a provision that provides Aberdeen with five (5) business days to
match any competing proposal in the event one is made; and (iii) a provision that requires the Company to pay Aberdeen a termination fee of $5.7 million in order to enter into a transaction with a superior bidder. Additionally, in connection
with the Proposed Transaction, certain shareholders who collectively own approximately 45% of Artios common stock have entered into voting agreements to vote in favor of the Proposed Transaction, thereby rendering shareholder approval a
foregone conclusion. Collectively, these provisions substantially and improperly limit the Boards ability to act with respect to investigating and pursuing superior proposals and alternatives, including a sale of all or part of Artio.
4. The Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties to the Companys stockholders, and Artio, Aberdeen and
Merger Sub have aided and abetted such breaches by Artios officers and directors. Plaintiff seeks to enjoin the Proposed Transaction unless and/or until defendants cure their breaches of fiduciary duty.
PARTIES
5. Plaintiff is, and has been at all relevant times, the owner of shares of common stock of Artio.
6. Artio is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware. It maintains its principal executive offices at
330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
7. Defendant Tony Williams (Williams) has been the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and a director of the Company since November 2012. Previously, Williams served as the Companys President since October 2011, Chief Operating Officer since 2007, and a member of the Board from 2004 through September
2009. He joined Artio Global Management LLC in 2003 as Chief Operating Officer and in 2004 became Head of Asset Management Americas.
8. Defendant Robert Jackson (Jackson) has been a director of the Company since 2011.
9. Defendant Duane Kullberg (Kullberg) has been a director of the Company since 2009.
10. Defendant Christopher Wright (Wright) has been a director of the Company since January 2013.
11. Defendant Francis Ledwidge (Ledwidge) has been Chairman of the Board since November 2012 and a director since 2009.
12. Defendant Richard Pell (Pell) has served as a director of Artio since 2007, and has been the Companys Chief
Investment Officer since 1995. Pell was CEO of Artio from December 2007 until November 2012 and served as Chairman of the Board from September 2009 until November 2012.
13. Defendants referenced in ¶¶ 7 through 12 are collectively referred to as the Individual Defendants and/or the Board.
14. Defendant Aberdeen is a public limited company organized under the laws of the United Kingdom. Aberdeen is an asset management group that. as of December 31, 2012, was managing 193.4£ billion of
third party assets. Aberdeens clients access the firms investment expertise drawn from three main asset classes: equities, fixed income and property, and tailored solutions. Aberdeen packages its skills in the form of segregated and
pooled products across borders.
15. Defendant Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation, wholly owned by Aberdeen that was created
for the purposes of effectuating the Proposed Transaction.
I-2
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
16. Plaintiff brings this action as a class action pursuant to Court of Chancery Rule 23 on behalf of all persons and/or entities that
own Artio common stock (the Class). Excluded from the Class are defendants and their affiliates, immediate families, legal representatives, heirs, successors or assigns and any entity in which defendants have or had a controlling
interest.
17. The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. While the exact number of Class members
is unknown to plaintiff at this time and can only be ascertained through discovery, plaintiff believes that there are thousands of members in the Class. According to the Merger Agreement, as of February 13, 2013, approximately 60.5 million shares of
common stock were represented by the Company as outstanding.
18. Questions of law and fact are common to the Class,
including,
inter alia
, the following:
(i) Have the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties of undivided
loyalty or due care with respect to plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction;
(ii) Have the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duty to secure and obtain the best price reasonable under the circumstances
for the benefit of plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the Proposed Transaction;
(iii) Have the
Individual Defendants, in bad faith and for improper motives, impeded or erected barriers to discourage other strategic alternatives including offers from interested parties for the Company or its assets;
(iv) Whether plaintiff and the other members of the Class would be irreparably harmed were the transactions complained of herein
consummated;
(v) Have Artio, Aberdeen, and Merger Sub aided and abetted the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary
duty; and
(vi) Is the Class entitled to injunctive relief or damages as a result of defendants wrongful conduct.
19. Plaintiff is committed to prosecuting this action and has retained competent counsel experienced in litigation of this
nature. Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class and plaintiff has the same interests as the other members of the Class. Accordingly, plaintiff is an adequate representative of the Class and will fairly and
adequately protect the interests of the Class.
20. The prosecution of separate actions by individual members of the Class
would create the risk of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class that would establish incompatible standards of conduct for defendants, or adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class
that would, as a practical matter, be dispositive of the interests of the other members not parties to the adjudications or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests.
21. Defendants have acted, or refused to act, on grounds generally applicable, and are causing injury to the Class and, therefore, final
injunctive relief on behalf of the Class as a whole is appropriate.
FURTHER SUBSTANTIVE ALLEGATIONS
22. Artio is the indirect holding company of Artio Global Management LLC, which is a registered investment adviser that invests in global
income and equity markets primarily for institutional and intermediary clients. Artio offers a variety of investment strategies, including High Grade Fixed Income, High Yield, International Equity and Global Equity. Artio provides clients with
access to these strategies through various investment vehicles, including separate accounts, commingled funds, and mutual funds.
I-3
23. As part of the Companys 2011 Annual Report, Individual Defendant Pell, the
Companys then-current CEO, Chief Investment Officer, and Chairman of the Board, wrote a letter to stockholders discussing the Companys performance during 2011 and its future business prospects. Although Pell recognized difficult economic
conditions and skittish investors, he was optimistic about the Companys future business prospects. Specifically, Pell wrote, Looking ahead, we [the Company] see reasons for optimism amid the challenges. Pell went on to describe
that within Artios International Equity and Global Equity strategies, we remain bullish on the opportunities that long-term secular growth in emerging market consumption will provide and pledged to take a tactical, more
defensive, near-term posture with longer-term, more strategic, structurally attractive ideas.
24. In an April 26, 2012
press release, the Company announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. In the press release, Pell discussed how the Company was taking concrete steps to improve its long-term business prospects. Pell stated, in relevant
part:
Looking ahead, we are committed to managing through expected near term headwinds by focusing on further
improving performance in our International Equity strategies, controlling costs in line with revenues and maintaining a conservative balance sheet. In keeping with the latter, we have reduced our quarterly dividend and recently repaid our remaining
term debt. We believe these actions, coupled with the cash generating capacity of our business, will further strengthen our financial position.
25. Artio continued to reshape its business to better position it for future success, including eliminating unproductive sectors of the Company. In an August 3, 2012 press release, Pell stated, in
relevant part:
We are realigning our business in order to focus on the asset classes where we believe active investment
management offers the greatest opportunities to benefit clients[.]
***
Accordingly, we are closing our US Equity strategies, which at the end of the second quarter represented less than one
percent of the firms total assets under management.
***
This action, together with other cost reduction efforts, will result in meaningful operating expense savings. Most
importantly, it enables us to concentrate our resources on our long ¶¶ established expertise in cross border investing in both equity and fixed income markets, and to continue pursuing growth and diversification opportunities within these
core product areas.
26. The Company continued to execute its plan to reposition the business for future growth. In
Artios October 30, 2012 press release, Pell discussed how the Company shifted its focus around its expertise and was committed to investing for future growth. Pell was quoted as saying, in relevant part:
Strategically, we have realigned the business around our expertise in cross-border investing across both equity and fixed
income markets, with particular focus on repairing our International Equity track records and growing our highly rated fixed income strategies. At the same time, we continue to concentrate on managing expenses and maintaining the strength of our
balance sheet, and remain focused on investing for future growth.
27. In a press release dated February 14, 2013, the Company
announced that it had entered into the Merger Agreement with Aberdeen pursuant to which Aberdeen, through Merger Sub, will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for $2.75 per share in cash.
28. Given the Companys positioning for growth, the Proposed Transaction consideration is inadequate and significantly undervalues
the Company.
I-4
29. Within recent memory, Artio stock has traded well in excess of the Proposed Transaction
offer price of $2.75 per share. In fact, as recently as February 23, 2012, roughly one year prior to the announcement of the Proposed Transaction Artios stock closed at $4.94 per share.
30. Furthermore, in a December 11, 2012 article published on SeekingAlpha.com, one author contended that Artios price was severely
undervalued. According to his calculations, the author gave the Company a valuation of $4.94, which was 110% higher than the then-current market price.
31. Another article on the same website, published on February 5, 2013, contended that Artio was an attractive buyout target because it was undervalued and poised for future growth. The article stated, in
relevant part:
Artio has seen redemptions in some of its international equity funds due to disappointing
results in the past. This is a problem for investment firms as investors can be fickle and either flood a fund with money when it performs well or withdraw when other funds are performing better. However, Artio
might be poised for a major
rebound or even a buyout as it appears that the worst could be over
.
It also looks like investors have taken the shares well below fair value
.
***
First of all, Artio shares went public in 2009 for $25 and
the stock now trades for about $2. This decline in share price seems very excessive and the stock could be primed for a significant rally. At just around $2, this company has a market capitalization of just about $120 million. This looks like pocket
change when you consider that Artio reported around $14.3 billion in assets under management or AUM in December 2012. This was down from about $15 billion in AUM in November, but it appears that the redemptions are slowing
down significantly which is great news.
That could be a sign to buy this stock as it trades at what might be the
bottom
.
***
With redemption rates slowing significantly, and since Artio still has over $14 billion under management and a market capitalization of just around $120 million,
this company could be poised to see
a big rebound in its stock as investors see the value in it[.]
***
Artio shares look extremely cheap by looking further into the balance sheet. This company has about $80 million in cash
and just around $5.5 million in debt. The cash is equivalent to about $1.33 per share. When you back out the cash of roughly $80 million from the market capitalization, that leaves the company with an enterprise value of only about $42 million. This
means that an acquiring company could get control of over $14 billion in assets, for just about $42 million (net of cash), based on the current share price. This is pocket change for many investment firms and Artio could also be very attractive as a
buyout from a private equity firm.
This bargain stock is also trading below book value which is $2.39 per share. In spite of having a tough year in 2012, Artio has been able to report positive adjusted earnings and EBITDA. For the nine months
ended on September 30, 2012, the company reported adjusted earnings of 23 cents per share and adjusted net income of 7 cents per share for the third quarter of 2012.
(Emphasis added).
32. Aberdeen is seeking to acquire the Company at the most
opportune time, at a time when the Company is performing very well and is positioned for tremendous growth.
I-5
33. In addition, as part of the Merger Agreement, defendants agreed to unreasonable deal
protection devices that operate conjunctively to make the Proposed Transaction a
fait accompli
and ensure that no competing offers will emerge for the Company.
34. Section 7.7(a) of the Merger Agreement includes a no solicitation provision barring the Company from soliciting interest from other potential acquirers in order to procure a price in
excess of the amount offered by Aberdeen. Section 7.7(a) demands that the Company terminate any and all prior or on-going discussions with other potential acquirers.
35. Pursuant to Section 7.7(e) of the Merger Agreement, should an unsolicited bidder submit a competing proposal, the Company must notify Aberdeen of the bidders identity and the terms of the
bidders offer. Thereafter, Section 7.7(d) demands that should the Board determine to enter into a superior competing proposal, it must grant Aberdeen five (5) business days in which the Company must negotiate in good faith with Aberdeen (if
Aberdeen so desires) and allow Aberdeen to amend the terms of the Merger Agreement to make a counter-offer so that the competing proposal would no longer constitute a Superior Proposal. In other words, the Merger Agreement gives Aberdeen
access to any rival bidders information and allows Aberdeen a free right to top any superior offer simply by matching it. Accordingly, no rival bidder is likely to emerge and act as a stalking horse, because the Merger Agreement unfairly
assures that any auction will favor Aberdeen and piggy-back upon the due diligence of the foreclosed second bidder.
36. The Merger Agreement also provides that Artio must pay Aberdeen a termination fee of $5.7 million if the Company decides to pursue
the competing offer, thereby essentially requiring that the competing bidder agree to pay a naked premium for the right to provide the stockholders with a superior offer.
37. Moreover, in connection with the Proposed Transaction, two of Artios principals, Pell and Rudoph-Riad Younes, and GAM Holding AG, who collectively own approximately 45% of Artios common
stock, have entered into voting agreements to vote in favor of the Proposed Transaction with Aberdeen. Accordingly, approximately 45% of Artios common stock is already locked up in favor of the Proposed Transaction.
38. Ultimately, these deal protection provisions unreasonably restrain the Companys ability to solicit or engage in negotiations
with any third party regarding a proposal to acquire all or a significant interest in the Company. The circumstances under which the Board may respond to an unsolicited written
bona fide
proposal for an alternative acquisition that
constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute a superior proposal are too narrowly circumscribed to provide an effective fiduciary out under the circumstances.
39. Accordingly, plaintiff seeks injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent the irreparable injury that Company stockholders will
continue to suffer absent judicial intervention.
CLAIMS FOR RELIEF
COUNT I
Breach of Fiduciary Duties
(Against All Individual Defendants)
40. Plaintiff repeats all previous
allegations as if set forth in full herein.
41. The Individual Defendants have knowingly and recklessly violated their
fiduciary duties owed to the public stockholders of Artio and have acted to put their personal interests ahead of the interests of Artio stockholders.
42. The Individual Defendants recommendation of the Proposed Transaction will result in a change of control of the Company which imposes heightened fiduciary responsibilities to maximize
Artios value for the benefit of the stockholders and requires enhanced scrutiny by the Court.
I-6
43. The Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties owed to the stockholders
of Artio because, among other reasons:
(a) they failed to take steps to maximize the value of Artio to its public
stockholders and took steps to avoid competitive bidding;
(b) they failed to properly value Artio; and
(c) they ignored or did not protect against the numerous conflicts of interest resulting from the directors own interrelationships
or connection with the Proposed Transaction.
44. As a result of the Individual Defendants breaches of their fiduciary
duties, plaintiff and the Class will suffer irreparable injury in that they have not and will not receive their fair portion of the value of Artios assets and will be prevented from benefiting from a value-maximizing transaction.
45. Unless enjoined by this Court, the Individual Defendants will continue to breach their fiduciary duties owed to plaintiff and the
Class, and may consummate the Proposed Transaction, to the irreparable harm of the Class.
46. Plaintiff and the Class have no
adequate remedy at law.
COUNT II
Aiding and Abetting
(Against Artio, Aberdeen, and Merger Sub)
47. Plaintiff repeats all previous allegations as if set forth in full herein.
48. As alleged in more detail above, defendants Artio, Aberdeen, and Merger
Sub have aided and abetted the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary duties.
49. As a result, plaintiff and the Class members are being harmed.
50. Plaintiff and the Class have no adequate remedy at law.
WHEREFORE
, plaintiff demands judgment against defendants jointly and severally, as follows:
(A) declaring this action to be a class action and certifying plaintiff as the Class representative and his counsel as Class counsel;
(B) enjoining, preliminarily and permanently, the Proposed Transaction;
(C) in the event that the Proposed Transaction is consummated prior to the entry of this Courts final judgment,
rescinding it or awarding plaintiff and the Class rescissory damages;
(D) directing that defendants account
to plaintiff and the other members of the Class for all damages caused by them and account for all profits and any special benefits obtained as a result of their breaches of their fiduciary duties;
(E) awarding plaintiff the costs of this action, including a reasonable allowance for the fees and expenses of attorneys
and experts; and
I-7
(F) granting plaintiff and the other members of the Class such further
relief as the Court deems just and proper.
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Dated: March 7, 2013
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RIGRODSKY & LONG, P.A.
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By:
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/s/ Brian D. Long
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Seth D. Rigrodsky (#3147)
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Brian D. Long (#4347)
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Gina M. Serra (#5387)
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2 Righter Parkway, Suite 120
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Wilmington, DE 19803
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(302) 295-5310
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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OF COUNSEL:
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LEVI & KORSINSKY, LLP
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Donald J. Enright
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1101 30th Street, N.W., Suite 115
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Washington, DC 20007
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(202) 524-4290
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I-8
Annex J
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK
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DART SEASONAL PRODUCTS RETIREMENT PLAN, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated,
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Index No.
CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
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Plaintiff,
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vs.
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ROBERT JACKSON, DUANE KULLBERG, CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT, FRANCIS LEDWIDGE, RICHARD PELL, TONY WILLIAMS, ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC., ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC, and GUARDIAN
ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
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Defendants.
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J-1
Plaintiff Dart Seasonal Products Retirement Plan, by its attorneys, alleges upon information
and belief, except for those allegations that pertain to it, which are alleged upon personal knowledge, as follows:
NATURE
OF THE ACTION
1. Plaintiff brings this shareholder class action on behalf of itself and all other public shareholders of
Artio Global Investors Inc. (Artio Global or the Company), arising out of the proposed acquisition of Artio Global by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Guardian
Acquisition Corporation (Merger Sub), for $2.75 in cash per share for an approximate total of $175 million (the Proposed Transaction). In connection with the Proposed Transaction, however, Artio Globals Board of
Directors (the Board or Individual Defendants) failed to properly discharge its fiduciary duties to the shareholders by failing to pursue a process designed to secure maximum value for the Companys shares.
2. Specifically, in connection with the Proposed Transaction, the Board failed to adequately discharge its fiduciary duties to the
shareholders by,
inter alia
: (i) failing to ensure that minority shareholders will receive maximum value for their shares; (ii) failing to conduct an appropriate sale process; and (iii) agreeing to onerous terms in the Merger
Agreement (defined below) with Aberdeen that will dissuade or otherwise preclude the emergence of a superior transaction.
3.
Accordingly, this action seeks equitable relief compelling the Board to properly exercise its fiduciary duties to the Companys shareholders and to enjoin the close of the Proposed Transaction to prevent irreparable harm to them.
PARTIES
4. Plaintiff is, and at all relevant times was, a continuous stockholder of Defendant Artio Global.
5. Defendant Robert Jackson is member of the Board and has been a director since March 2011.
6. Defendant Duane Kullberg is a member of the Board and has been a director since 2009.
7. Defendant Christopher Wright is a member of the Board and has been a director since January 2013.
8. Defendant Francis Ledwidge is the Chairman of the Board and has served in that role since November 2012. He has been a member of the
Board since 2009.
9. Defendant Richard Pell is the Chief Investment Officer and a member of the Board. He was Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) from December 2007 until November 2012 and served as Chairman of the Board from September 2009 until November 2012.
10. Defendant Tony Williams is the CEO and a member of the Board and was appointed to those positions in November 2012. He was previously the Companys President since October 2011, and the
Companys Chief Operating Officer since December 2007.
11. Collectively, Defendants listed in ¶¶5-10 are
referred to as the Individual Defendants.
12. Defendant Artio Global is a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware with its principal executive offices located at 330 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017.
13. Defendant Aberdeen is a company organized under the laws of the United Kingdom and headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen is
an asset management firm. Aberdeen stock is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN.
J-2
14. Defendant Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation that is an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Aberdeen. Merger Sub is being used to facilitate the merger with Artio Global.
15. Collectively, Artio Global,
the Individual Defendants, Aberdeen, and Merger Sub are referred to herein as the Defendants.
SUBSTANTIVE
ALLEGATIONS
16. Artio Global, together with its subsidiaries and related companies, provides investment management
services to institutional and mutual funds. According to Artio Globals website, since 1995, the Company has built a successful track record by actively investing in global equity and fixed income markets. The strong portfolio management
culture the Company adheres to gives Artio Globals investment professionals a solid foundation and focus.
17. The
Company became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in September 29, 2009. Prior to September 29, 2009, Artio Global was a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAM Holding AG (GAM Holding), a Swiss
Corporation. Following the IPO, GAM Holding owned approximately 27.9% of the outstanding shares of the Companys stock through its ownership of the outstanding shares of the Companys Class C common stock.
18. According to the Companys 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 13, 2009, Messrs. Pell
and Younes, each made various transactions immediately prior to the Companys IPO, resulting in their ownership of an approximate 26% interest in the Company.
19. The Company originally went public at $26 per share and its assets under management as of December 31, 2009, the year the Company went public, was $56.0 billion. While the Companys common
stock has dropped approximately 92% to approximately $2 per share, its assets under management was reported to be $14.3 billion at the end of December 2012.
20. On February 14, 2013, Artio Global issued a press release announcing that it had entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the Merger Agreement) with Aberdeen, a global asset
management firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, pursuant to which Aberdeen would acquire Artio Global for $2.75 in cash per share. The press release notes that the price represents a premium of approximately 34% over the closing price of Artio
Globals commons stock as of February 13, 2013, and a premium of approximately 37% over the average closing price of Artio Globals common stock during the 30 trading days ending February 13, 2013.
21. In Artio Globalss press release announcing the deal, Tony Williams, CEO of Artio Global, stated, I am delighted to be
able to announce this merger, which we believe will be very beneficial for our clients and shareholders. He further noted, Aberdeen brings vast financial strength, with a market cap of over $7.5 billion, and has a strong
investment-centric culture consistent with Artio Globals.
22. In addition, Defendant Williams further stated:
Our High Grade and Global High Yield teams will form a core part of Aberdeens fixed income capabilities
,
enhanced by the depth of its resources. We will continue to manage our International Equity and Global Equity strategies until the anticipated closing date, at which time Aberdeen will assume investment management responsibilities for them, subject
to client consent. Aberdeen has a strong record of investment performance and we are confident that our clients will benefit from its robust investment process and global footprint of analytical resources.
[Emphasis added.]
J-3
23. According to the February 14 2013 press release by Artio Global, the Board, acting,
on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and resolved to recommend that the Companys shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Transaction.
24. The press release further disclosed that concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding, Defendant Pell and
Rudolph-Riad Younes (Younes), entered into voting agreements providing that they will vote in favor of the Transaction. In aggregate, these shareholders represented approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares as of
February 13, 2013.
25. In addition, Defendant Pell and Younes entered into an amended and restated tax receivable
agreement (the Tax Agreement) with Aberdeen and Artio Global pursuant to which, effective at closing of the Proposed Transaction, Defendant Pell and Younes agreed to waive certain provisions relating to a change in control of Artio
Global and Aberdeen agreed to modify certain provisions relating to payments that Defendant Pell and Younes were entitled to under the original tax receivable agreement.
26. The Proposed Transaction is currently expected to close by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2013 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including, U.S. antitrust
approval, approval of a majority of Artio Global shareholders and approval of certain Artio Global mutual fund shareholders.
27. Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen, recognized the benefits that Artio Global would offer to Aberdeen. In a
February 14, 2013 article on
Reuters
, Gilbert noted that Artio Global, which has $14.3 billion in, mainly, fixed income assets, will add scale and distribution channels to Aberdeens existing business in the United States and called
it a priority growth market. A Peel Hunt analyst also noted that: Artio [Global] goes some way to address strategic imperative for Aberdeen; namely to build its U.S. distribution capabilities.
1
28. While details concerning the background of the sale have yet to be disclosed to shareholders, the circumstances surrounding the
events that gave rise to the Proposed Transaction are questionable. Indeed, Artio Globals stock price only recently traded considerably higher than the consideration offered by Defendants in connection with the Proposed Transaction. For
example, the 52-week high of Artio Global common stock was above $5, well above the offer price of $2.75 by Aberdeen.
29.
According to Bloomberg, the Companys revenue, total assets, and free cash flow multiples for the Proposed Transaction fall below the multiples for comparable transactions.
30. In addition, in the December 11, 2012 article on
seekingalpha.com
, Finally, Downside Protection At Artio,
Liron Manor wrote that Artio Global shares are worth about $4 per share because, among other reasons, the Company has a pristine balance sheet and a stable [assets under management] of $11 billion in fixed income and Other[.]
Likewise, the Companys strength is further confirmed by the research reports issued by Ford Equity Research, which noted that the Companys earnings strength have shown strong acceleration in quarterly growth rates and
relative valuation which indicates that it is undervalued.
2
31. While Artio Globals stockholders were waiting to benefit from the
Companys long-awaited turnaround, the Company hastily agreed to the Proposed Transaction Buyout on terms preferential to Aberdeen, but detrimental to Artio Globals stockholders. In addition, if the Company had had an adequate market
check, Artio Global would bring a price materially in excess of the amount offered in the Proposed Transaction.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/14/us-aberdeenasset-artioglobal-idUSBRE91D0L 120130214 (last visited on March 1, 2013)
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http://seekingalpha.com/article/1058751-finally-downside-protection-at-artio (last visited March 1, 2013.
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J-4
32. The Individual Defendants have breached the fiduciary duties they owe to the
Companys public stockholders because the Company has been improperly valued and stockholders will not likely receive adequate or fair value for their Artio Global common stock in the Proposed Transaction.
33. Further, the Merger Agreement contains a Non-Solicitation provision and matching rights provisions.
Specifically, the Merger Agreement precluded Artio Global or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates from: (i) soliciting, initiating or knowingly facilitating the submission of inquiries, proposals or offers from any person (other than Aberdeen)
relating to any alternative acquisition proposal, or agreeing to recommend any alternative acquisition proposal; (ii) entering into any agreement to consummate or approve any alternative acquisition proposal or, in connection with any
alternative acquisition proposal, require the Company to abandon, terminate, or fail to consummate the Proposed Transaction; or (iii) entering into or participating in any discussions or negotiations in connection with any alternative
acquisition proposal or inquiry with respect to any alternative acquisition proposal, or furnishing to any person any non-public information in connection any alternative acquisition proposal.
34. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company must notify Aberdeen of any alternative acquisition proposal or offer received by the
Company and must provide Aberdeen with the material terms and conditions of such proposals, and if in writing, Artio Global must provide the proposal itself. Thus, the Merger Agreement unfairly assures that process will favor Aberdeen, as it will
have more information, and no rival bidder is likely to emerge.
35. Further, the Board may only change its recommendation of
the Proposed Transaction to pursue another company takeover proposal (Company Adverse Recommendation) under limited circumstances. For example, the Board can only make a Company Adverse Recommendation if it receives a written unsolicited
company takeover proposal that is superior to the terms of the Merger Agreement, and the Company provides at least five business days prior written notice to Aberdeen of its intention to make a Company Adverse Recommendation
(Notice). After providing Notice and before effecting a Company Adverse Recommendation, the Company must negotiate with Aberdeen in good faith to make adjustments to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement that would permit
Artio Global not to effect a Company Adverse Recommendation. Finally, the Board must consider any changes to the Merger Agreement offered by Aberdeen and determine that the other alternative acquisition proposal is, in fact, superior. In other
words, the Merger Agreement gives Aberdeen access to any rival bidders information and allows Aberdeen a free right to top any superior proposal.
36. Additionally, the Merger Agreement provides that a termination fee of $5.7 million must be paid to Aberdeen if the Company determines to pursue a superior proposal or if the Board otherwise effects a
Company Adverse Recommendation. That amount constitutes over 3% of the consideration Aberdeen has agreed to pay per share of common stock to acquire Artio Global.
37. Moreover, in connection with the Merger Agreement, Aberdeen and Artio Global entered into the Tax Agreement with Defendant Pell and Younes. Through the Tax Agreement, Defendant Bell and Younes are
receiving additional consideration in the Proposed Transaction. The Tax Agreement allows Defendant Pell and Younes to share in millions of dollars of tax benefits to be realized by Aberdeen and Artio Global.
38. As it stands, the Proposed Transaction does not adequately value Artio Global shares. Instead, as a direct result of the Boards
abandonment of duty, the Proposed Transaction will benefit Aberdeen. Accordingly, in the absence of injunctive relief, shareholders will not be able to make an informed decision about whether to vote in favor of the Proposed Transaction.
J-5
THE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS FIDUCIARY DUTIES
39. By reason of their positions as officers and/or directors of the Company, the Individual Defendants are in a fiduciary relationship
with Plaintiff and the Companys other public shareholders, and owe them the highest obligations of loyalty, good faith, and due care.
40. Specifically, in any situation where the directors of a publicly traded corporation undertake a transaction that will result in a change in corporate control, they have an affirmative fiduciary
obligation to act in the best interests of the companys shareholders, including the duty to obtain maximum value under the circumstances. To diligently comply with these duties, the directors may not take any action that:
(a) adversely affects the value provided to the corporations shareholders;
(b) will discourage or inhibit alternative offers to acquire control of the corporation or its assets;
(c) contractually prohibits them from complying with their fiduciary duties; and/or
(d) will provide the directors, executives, or other insiders with preferential treatment at the expense of, or separate from, the
public shareholders, and place their own pecuniary interests above those of the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
41. In accordance with their duties of loyalty and good faith, the Individual Defendants, as directors and/or officers of Artio Global,
are obligated to:
(a) determine whether a proposed sale of the Company is in the shareholders best interests;
(b) maximize shareholder value by considering all
bona fide
offers or strategic alternatives, including the
Proposed Transaction; and
(c) refrain from implementing unreasonable measures designed to protect a transaction to the
exclusion of a more beneficial deal, and from participating in any transaction in which their loyalties are divided.
42.
Plaintiff alleges herein that the Individual Defendants, separately and together, in connection with the Proposed Transaction, have violated and are continuing to violate the fiduciary duties they owe to Plaintiff and the Companys other public
shareholders, including the duties of loyalty, good faith, due care, and candor.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
43. Plaintiff brings this action as a class action pursuant to New York Civil Practice law and Rules §901,
et seq.
,
individually and on behalf of all holders of Artio Global common stock who are being and will be harmed by the Individual Defendants actions, as described herein (the Class). Excluded from the Class are Defendants and any person,
firm, trust, corporation or other entity related to or affiliated with any Defendant.
44. This action is properly
maintainable as a class action because,
inter alia
:
(a) The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is
impracticable. Artio Global stock is publicly traded on the NYSE. Plaintiff believes that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of shareholder who are geographically dispersed throughout the U.S.;
(b) There are questions of law and fact which are common to the Class and which predominate over questions affecting any individual
Class member. These common questions include,
inter alia
: (i) whether the Individual Defendants have breached any of their fiduciary duties to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class, including the duties of good faith, loyalty and
due care; (ii) whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duty to maximize shareholder value by securing the highest and best price realistically achievable under the circumstances; (iii) whether the Individual
Defendants have impeded or discouraged competing offers for the Company or its assets; and (iv) whether the Individual Defendants have irreparably harmed Plaintiff and the other members of the Class;
J-6
(c) Plaintiff is committed to prosecuting this action and has retained competent
counsel experienced in litigation of this nature. Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class and Plaintiff has the same interests as the rest of the Class. Accordingly, Plaintiff is an adequate representative
of the Class and will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the Class;
(d) The prosecution of separate actions
by individual members of the Class would create the risk of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class that would establish incompatible standards of conduct for Defendants. In addition, adjudications with
respect to individual members of the Class would, as a practical matter, be dispositive of the interests of the other members not parties to the adjudications or would substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests; and
(e) Defendants have acted, or refused to act, on grounds generally applicable to, and causing injury to, the Class and,
therefore, preliminary and final injunctive relief on behalf of the Class as a whole is appropriate.
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
Breach of Fiduciary Duties
Against the Individual Defendants
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45.
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Plaintiff incorporates each allegation set forth above as if fully set forth herein.
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46. The Individual Defendants are in a position of control and power over Artio Globals public shareholders, and have access to
internal financial information about Artio Global, its true value, and the benefits of ownership of the Company. The Individual Defendants are using their positions of power and control to benefit themselves, to the detriment of Plaintiff and the
Class.
47. The Individual Defendants have clear and material conflicts of interest and are acting to better their own
interests at the expense of Artio Globals public shareholders. The Individual Defendants have violated their fiduciary duties by directing the Company to enter into the Proposed Transaction without regard to the fairness of the transaction to
Artio Globals public shareholders, or the prospect that it does not maximize shareholder value.
48. Unless the Proposed
Transaction is enjoined by the Court, the Individual Defendants will continue to breach the fiduciary duties they owe to Plaintiff and the Class and will not supply to Artio Globals shareholders sufficient information to enable them to cast an
informed vote on the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly, Plaintiff and the members of the Class have no adequate remedy at law.
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
Aiding and Abetting the Individual Defendants Breaches of Fiduciary Duty,
Against Defendants Artio Global, Aberdeen, and Merger Sub
49. Plaintiff
incorporates each allegation set forth above as if fully set forth herein.
50. Defendants Artio Global and Aberdeen are sued
herein as aiders and abettors of the breaches of fiduciary duties outlined above by the Individual Defendants, as members of the Board.
51. The Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties of good faith, loyalty, due care, and candor to Artio Globals public shareholders as set forth herein. Such breaches could not and would
not have occurred but for the conduct of Artio Global and Aberdeen, who aided and abetted such breaches by, among other things, entering into the definitive agreement and otherwise rendering substantial assistance to the Board in connection with the
breaches described herein.
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52. As a result of such substantial assistance, Plaintiff and the other members of the Class
have been and will be damaged in that they have been and will be prevented from obtaining maximum value for their shares and will not be able to cast an informed vote with all material information concerning the Proposed Transaction.
53. Unless the Proposed Transaction is enjoined by the Court, Artio Global and Aberdeen will continue to render substantial assistance to
the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary duty, which will preclude shareholders from receiving maximum value for their shares or sufficient information to enable them to cast an informed vote on the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly,
Plaintiff and the members of the Class have no adequate remedy at law.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands the following relief in
its favor and in favor of the Class, and against Defendants, as follows:
A. Ordering that this action be maintained as a
class action and certifying Plaintiff as Class representative and its counsel as Class counsel;
B. Preliminarily and
permanently enjoining the Individual Defendants, and anyone acting in concert with them, from proceeding with the sale of the Company unless and until they have acted in accordance with their fiduciary duties to maximize shareholder value;
C. Requiring the Individual Defendants to properly exercise their fiduciary duties to Plaintiff and the Class by, among other
things: (i) ascertaining the true transactional value of the Company; (ii) considering whether the Proposed Transaction or an alternate transaction maximizes shareholder value; and (iii) ensuring that no impediments unreasonably
preclude alternative transactions that may maximize shareholder value;
D. Rescinding, to the extent already implemented, the
Proposed Transaction and any agreement or transaction attendant thereto or awarding the Class rescissory damages;
E. Awarding
Plaintiff the costs of this action, including a reasonable allowance for attorneys and experts fees and costs; and
F. Granting such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.
JURY TRIAL DEMAND
Plaintiff demands a trial by jury on all claims and issues so triable.
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DATED:
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March 1, 2013
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ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP
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SAMUEL H. RUDMAN
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MARK S. REICH
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ANDREA Y. LEE
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/s/ Mark S. Reich
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MARK S. REICH
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58 South Service Road, Suite 200
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Telephone: 631/367-7100
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631/367-1173 (fax)
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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J-8
Annex K
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
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JOSEPH FERNICOLA, On Behalf of Himself
and All Others Similarly Situated,
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Index No.
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Plaintiff,
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CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
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v.
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JURY TRIAL DEMAND
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.,
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FRANCIS LEDWIDGE, TONY WILLIAMS,
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RICHARD PELL, ROBERT JACKSON,
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DUANE KULLBERG, CHRISTOPHER
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WRIGHT, ABERDEEN ASSET
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MANAGEMENT PLC and GUARDIAN
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ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
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Defendants.
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Plaintiff Joseph Fernicola (Plaintiff) submits this class action complaint by and through his
undersigned counsel, and makes the following allegations upon information and belief, except as to those allegations specifically pertaining to Plaintiff, which are predicated upon the investigation undertaken by Plaintiffs counsel:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is a class action brought by Plaintiff on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated public stockholders of Artio Global Investors Inc. (Artio Global or the
Company) to enjoin the acquisition (the Buyout) of the publicly owned shares of Artio Global common stock by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Guardian Acquisition
Corporation (Merger Sub). In pursuing the Buyout, each of the defendants has violated applicable law by directly breaching and/or aiding breaches of fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care owed to Plaintiff and the other public
stockholders of Artio Global.
2. On February 14, 2013, Artio Global announced that it had entered into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) pursuant to which Aberdeen, through Merger Sub, would acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Artio Global. The Buyout was approved by Artio Globals Board of Directors (the
Board). Under the terms of the Buyout, Artio Globals stockholders will receive $2.75 per Artio Global share, or a total of approximately $175 million.
3. The Buyout is the product of a flawed process designed to ensure the sale of Artio Global to Aberdeen on terms preferential to Aberdeen, but detrimental to Plaintiff and the other public stockholders
of Artio Global. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, only an affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding shares is necessary to approve the Buyout. As part of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding AG (GAM Holding)
(Artio Globals former parent company), Richard Pell (Pell) (Artio Globals former Chairman and Chief
K-1
Executive Officer and current Chief Investment officer) and Rudolph-Riad Younes (Younes) (Artio Globals current Head of International Equities), have entered into irrevocable
voting agreements, representing approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares, under which they have agreed to vote in favor of the Buyout. Therefore, the Buyout is a
fait accompli
because approximately only 10% of the shares not
owned by GAM Holding, Pell and Younes are needed to vote yes to approve the Buyout.
4. Also as part of the Buyout, Pell and
Younes entered into an Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement (Tax Agreement) with Aberdeen and Artio Global through which Bell and Younes are receiving disparate and additional consideration in the Buyout not shared with the
public stockholders of Artio. The purpose of the Tax Agreement is to share any tax benefits realized by Aberdeen and Artio Global with Pell and Younes. The provisions of the Tax Agreement provide that 85% of the cumulative net realized tax benefits
of both Aberdeen and Artio Global will be paid to Pell and Younes. Pell and Younes are already scheduled to receive millions of dollars in the next several weeks. The Tax Agreement states that Pell and Younes will be paid 95% of the amount due
to them with respect to the 2012 taxable year on March 15, 2013, this amount is estimated to be $4.9 million, and the amount to be paid to them with respect to the tax refund from the 2011 taxable year is estimated to be $2.4 million.
Pell and Younes are also expected to receive an estimated aggregate payment of $7 million for Artio Globals imputed interest and the amortizable amount of the basis adjustment.
5. Plaintiff brings this action to redress the harm done to himself and to the other public Company stockholders as a consequence of the
various breaches of fiduciary duties by the Board (the Individual Defendants herein) in the process that produced the Buyout. As alleged in detail herein, the defendants utilized a process wherein the parties agreed to the Buyout at a
time when the Company was poised to make a comeback after seeing its share price plummet 92% since going public in 2009.
6.
Only through the exercise of this Courts equitable powers can Plaintiff and the Class be fully protected from the immediate and irreparable injury, which defendants actions threaten to inflict.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
7. This Court has jurisdiction over each defendant named herein pursuant to CPLR Section 301. Artio Global is headquartered in New York and all other defendants are officers and/or directors of
Artio Global or entered into contractual agreements with Artio Global and all defendants have sufficient minimum contacts with New York so as to render the exercise of jurisdiction by the courts of this State permissible under traditional notions of
fair play and substantial justice.
8. Venue is proper in the Court because a substantial portion of the transactions and
wrongs complained of herein, including defendants primary participation in the wrongful acts detailed herein and aiding and abetting and conspiracy in violation of fiduciary duties owed to Artio Global occurred in New York County. In addition,
the Individual Defendants have received substantial compensation in New York County for doing business here and engaging in numerous activities that had an effect in this County.
THE PARTIES
9. Plaintiff Joseph Fernicola is and was, at all times relevant hereto, a holder of shares of Artio Global common stock.
10. Artio Global is a Delaware corporation headquartered at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Artio Global is a registered investment adviser that invests in equity and fixed income markets.
Artio Global common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ART.
11. Defendant
Francis Ledwidge (Ledwidge) has been a director of the Company since 2009, and has been Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors since November 2012. Ledwidge is Chairman of the
K-2
Compensation Committee and a member of both the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
12. Defendant Pell has been a director of the Company since 2009. Pell has been the Companys Chief Investment Officer since 1995, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from December 2007 until
November 2012 and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from September 2009 until November 2012.
13. Defendant Tony
Williams (Williams) has been CEO and a director of the Company since November 2012. Williams was previously the Companys President since October 2011, the Chief Operating Officer since December 2007 and a member of the Board of
Directors from 2004 through September 2009.
14. Defendant Robert Jackson (Jackson) has been a director of the
Company since March 2011. Jackson is a member of both the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
15. Defendant Duane
Kullberg (Kullberg) has been a director of the Company since 2009. Kullberg is Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
16. Defendant Christopher Wright (Wright) has been a director of the Company since January 2013. Wright is a member of the
Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
17. Defendants Ledwidge,
Pell, Williams, Jackson, Kullberg and Wright are referred to herein collectively as the Individual Defendants.
18. Defendant Aberdeen is a company organized under the laws of the United Kingdom and headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen is
an asset management firm. Aberdeen stock is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN.
19.
Defendant Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation that is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aberdeen. Merger Sub is being used to facilitate the merger with Artio Global.
DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS
20. By reason of their
positions as officers and/or directors of the Company and because of their ability to control the business and corporate affairs of the Company, the Individual Defendants owed the Company and its stockholders the fiduciary obligations of good faith,
trust, loyalty, candor and due care, and were and are required to use their utmost ability to control and manage the Company in a fair, just, honest and equitable manner. The Individual Defendants were and are required to act in furtherance of the
best interests of the Company and its stockholders so as to benefit all stockholders equally and not in furtherance of their personal interest or benefit.
21. Each director and officer of the Company owes to the Company and its stockholders the fiduciary duty to exercise good faith and diligence in the administration of the affairs of the Company and in the
use and preservation of the Companys property and assets and the highest obligations of fair dealing.
22. The
Individual Defendants, because of their positions of control and authority as directors and/or officers of the Company, were able to and did, directly and/or indirectly, exercise control over the wrongful acts complained of herein.
23. At all times relevant hereto, each of the Individual Defendants was the agent of each of the other Individual Defendants and of Artio
Global, and was at all times acting within the course and scope of such agency.
K-3
24. To discharge their duties, the officers and directors of the Company were required to
exercise reasonable and prudent supervision over the management, policies, practices and controls of the Company. By virtue of such duties, the officers and directors of the Company were required to, among other things:
(a) exercise good faith in ensuring that the affairs of the Company were conducted in an efficient, business-like manner so as to make it
possible for the Company to provide the highest level of performance;
(b) exercise good faith in ensuring that the Company
was operated in a diligent, honest and prudent manner and complied with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and requirements, including acting only within the scope of its legal authority;
(c) when placed on notice of illegal or imprudent conduct committed by the Company or its employees, exercise good faith in taking
appropriate measures to prevent and correct such conduct; and
(d) exercise good faith in supervising the preparation, filing
and/or dissemination of financial statements, press releases, audits, reports or other information required by law, and in examining and evaluating any reports or examinations, audits, or other financial information concerning the financial
condition of the Company.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
25. Plaintiff brings this action on behalf of himself and all other stockholders of the Company (except the defendants herein and any
persons, firm, trust, corporation, or other entity related to or affiliated with them and their successors in interest), who are, or will be, threatened with injury arising from defendants actions, as more fully described herein (the
Class).
26. This action is properly maintainable as a class action pursuant to CPLR Section 901
et.
seq.
for the following reasons:
(a) The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. As of
October 31, 2012, there were approximately 50 million shares of Artio Global common stock issued and outstanding not owned by Defendants, likely owned by thousands of stockholders.
(b) Plaintiff is committed to prosecuting this action and has retained competent counsel experienced in litigation of this nature.
Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class and Plaintiff has the same interests as the other members of the Class. Plaintiff is an adequate representative of the Class and will fairly and adequately protect
the interests of the Class.
(c) The prosecution of separate actions by individual members of the Class would create the risk
of inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class, which would establish incompatible standards of conduct for defendants, or adjudications with respect to individual members of the Class that would, as a
practical matter, be dispositive of the interests of the other members not parties to the adjudications or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests.
(d) To the extent defendants take further steps to effectuate the Buyout, preliminary and final injunctive relief on behalf of the Class
as a whole will be entirely appropriate because defendants have acted, or refused to act, on grounds generally applicable and causing injury to the Class.
27. There are questions of law and fact that are common to the Class including,
inter alia
, the following:
(a) Whether the Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties with respect to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the conduct alleged herein;
K-4
(b) Whether the process implemented and set forth by the defendants for the Buyout is fair
to the members of the Class;
(c) Whether Aberdeen and Merger Sub have aided and abetted the Individual Defendants
breaches of fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class as a result of the conduct alleged herein;
(d) Whether Plaintiff and the other members of the Class would be irreparably harmed if defendants are not enjoined from effectuating the
conduct described herein.
THE BUYOUT IS THE PRODUCT OF BREACHES OF
FIDUCIARY DUTIES BY THE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS
Background of the Company
28. Artio Global is a publicly
owned asset management holding company that provides portfolio management and fund management services to its clients. Artio Global, which became a public company in 2009 after being spun off from Swiss wealth manager, Julius Baer Group, Ltd., was
performing greatly just several years ago with nearly $56 billion in assets under management. However, since going public at $26 a share, the Company has seen its stock price drop approximately 92% to approximately $2 a share and its assets under
management drop 74% to $14.3 billion at the end of December 2012. The primary reason for the drop is mostly related to the poor performance in its international equity funds.
29. As a result of these losses, the Company changed its business strategy. Commenting on Artio Globals new strategy, Pell stated:
Strategically, we have realigned the business around our expertise in cross-border investing across both equity and fixed income markets,
with particular focus on repairing our International Equity track records and growing our highly rated fixed income strategies. At the same time, we continue to concentrate on managing our expenses and maintaining the strength of our balance sheet,
and remain focused on investing for future growth.
30. Currently, Artio Global appears poised for a major rebound as
investors redemptions from its funds appear to be slowing down significantly. In October 2012, the Company reported that it had $16.7 billion in assets under management. Artio Global reported in November 2012 its assets under management
dropped approximately 10% to $15 billion. In December 2012, the assets under management only dropped by 4% to about $14.3 billion. Now, the Company has reported that as of January 2013, its assets under management are $14 billion, a loss of
only about 2%. According to a report from
seekingalpha.com
, [t]his could be a sign that the worst is over and it might also mean that Artios remaining AUM might be at levels which include its core investor base. Core
investors who have stuck it out this long are probably not likely to leave the firm.
31. Artio Global also has a solid
fixed-income business that has performed well and seen growth in its assets under management over the past several years. Some of Artio Globals funds are outperforming their peers. Michael Kim, an analyst with Sandler ONeill &
Partners LP in New York, who has a hold rating on Artio Globals stock, said that the Companys bond funds have performed better than its equity funds. According to
Bloomberg
, the $2.1 billion Artio Total Return Bond Fund
beat 78 percent of peers over the past five years and the $2.9 billion Artio Global High Income Fund beat 60 percent of peers over the past five years.
The Buyout
32. On February 14, 2013, Artio Global
issued press release announcing that the Company had entered into a definitive merger agreement for the Buyout, pursuant to which Aberdeen will acquire Artio Global for $2.75 in cash:
NEW YORK(BUSINESS WIRE)Feb. 14, 2013Artio Global Investors Inc. (NYSE: ART) (Artio Global or the
Company), today announced that it has entered into an agreement and plan of
K-5
merger (the Merger Agreement) with Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen), a global asset management firm listed on the London Stock Exchange, pursuant to which Aberdeen
will acquire Artio Global for $2.75 in cash per share (the Transaction). The price represents a premium of approximately 34% over the closing price of Artio Globals common stock as of February 13, 2013, and a premium of
approximately 37% over the average closing price of Artio Globals common stock during the 30 trading days ending February 13, 2013.
33. The Buyout price agreed to by the Individual Defendants is woefully inadequate, and defendants rationale that any premium price is a fair price is unsound given the Companys strength and
prospects, especially relating to the Artio Globals fixed-income business. According to
The Wall Street Journal
, Martin Gilbert (Gilbert), the CEO of Aberdeen, said in an interview that he was interested in Aritos
fixed-income funds, not its international equity products. Artio Globals stock has traded above the Buyout price as recently as October 2, 2012. The decline in Artio Globals stock price appears to be an overreaction to performance
of its international equity products. Now, the Company is in a position to make a comeback as a result of its strong balance sheet, its $14 billion in assets under management, its redemptions slowing down significantly and its funds outperforming
its competitors. Therefore, the Buyout price of $2.75 is an illusory premium because Artio Globals shares are undervalued and have recently traded higher than the Buyout price.
34. With all of the Companys strengths, it comes as no surprise that analysts see value in the stock. In the December 11, 2012
seekingalpha.com
article, Finally, Downside Protection At Artio, Liron Manor wrote that Artio Global shares are worth about $4 per share because, among other reasons, the Company has a pristine balance sheet and
a stable AUM [assets under management] of $11 billion in fixed income and Other[.] Likewise, the Companys strength is further confirmed by the research reports issued by Ford Equity Research, which noted that the Companys
earnings strength have shown strong acceleration in quarterly growth rates and relative valuation which indicates that it is undervalued.
35. Rather than wait to allow Artio Global stockholders to benefit from the Companys long awaited turnaround, the Company agreed to a Buyout on terms preferential to Aberdeen, but detrimental to
Plaintiff and the other public stockholders of Artio Global. Furthermore, the Buyout also favors the Companys insiders who may continue their employment at the combined company while also receiving immediate stock options vesting. While the
decision has not been made as to which executives will stay, Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen, stated that, we would certainly be speaking to people and see who wants to stay and who wants to go.
36. In additional, Aberdeen and Artio Global entered into the Tax Agreement with Pell and Younes. Through the Tax Agreement, Bell and
Younes are receiving additional consideration in the Buyout. The Tax Agreement allows Bell and Younes to share in millions of dollars of tax benefits to be realized by Aberdeen and Artio Global.
37. Having failed to maximize the sale price for the Company, the Individual Defendants have breached the fiduciary duties they owe to
the Companys public stockholders because the Company has been improperly valued and stockholders will not likely receive adequate or fair value for their Artio Global common stock in the Buyout.
The Buyer-Friendly Terms of the Merger Agreement
38. On February 15, 2013, the Company filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to publicly disclose the Merger Agreement, the Tax Agreement and the
Voting Agreements. As part of the Merger Agreement, the Individual Defendants agreed to many buyer-friendly deal terms, including a termination fee of $5.7 million and a no solicitation provision that effectively substantially decreases
the chance that a competing bidder emerges.
39. Also as part of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding, Pell and Younes, have
entered into irrevocable voting agreements providing that they will vote in favor of the Buyout. These stockholders represent
K-6
approximately 45% of the Companys outstanding shares as of February 13, 2013. The terms of the Merger Agreement, which only an affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding
shares is necessary to approve the Buyout, result in a
fait accompli
because the voting agreements are irrevocable and only 10% of the shares not owned by GAM Holding, Pell and Younes are needed to vote yes to approve the Buyout.
40. The Individual Defendants have initiated a process to sell the Company, which imposes heightened fiduciary responsibilities on them
and requires enhanced scrutiny by the Court. The Individual Defendants owe fundamental fiduciary obligations to the Companys stockholders to take all necessary and appropriate steps to maximize the value of their shares in implementing such a
transaction. In addition, the Individual Defendants have the responsibility to act independently so that the interests of Artio Global stockholders will be protected, and to conduct fair and active bidding procedures or other mechanisms for checking
the market to assure that the highest possible price is achieved.
AS AND FOR A FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against the Individual Defendants for Breach of Fiduciary Dut
y)
41. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth herein.
42. The Individual Defendants have violated their fiduciary duties owed to the public stockholders of Artio Global and by their actions
have put their personal interests ahead of the interests of Artio Global stockholders or acquiesced in those actions by fellow defendants. These defendants have failed to take adequate measures to ensure that the interests of Artio Globals
stockholders are properly protected and have embarked on a process that avoids competitive bidding and provides Aberdeen and Merger Sub with an unfair advantage by effectively excluding other alternative proposals.
43. By the acts, transactions and courses of conduct alleged herein, the Individual Defendants, individually and acting as a part of a
common plan, will unfairly deprive Plaintiff and other members of the Class of the true value of their Artio Global investment, and will do so without properly disclosing all material information to Artio Global stockholders regarding the offers
made for the Company.
44. By reason of the foregoing acts, practices and courses of conduct, the Individual Defendants have
failed to exercise due care and diligence in the exercise of their fiduciary obligations toward Plaintiff and the other members of the Class.
45. As a result of the actions of the Individual Defendants, Plaintiff and the Class have been, and will be, irreparably harmed in that they have not, and will not, receive their fair portion of the value
of Artio Globals stock and businesses and will be prevented from obtaining a fair price for their common stock.
46.
Plaintiff and the Class have no adequate remedy at law. Only through the exercise of this Courts equitable powers can Plaintiff and the Class be fully protected from the immediate and irreparable injury, which the Individual Defendants
breaches threaten to inflict.
AS AND FOR A SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against Aberdeen and Merger Sub for Aiding and Abetting
the Individual Defendants Breaches of Fiduciary Duties)
47. Plaintiff repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth herein.
48. The Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Artio Global stockholders by the actions alleged herein.
K-7
49. Such breaches of fiduciary duties could not, and would not, have occurred but for the
conduct of Aberdeen and Merger Sub, which, therefore, aided and abetted such breaches by entering into the Merger Agreement.
50. Aberdeen and Merger Sub had knowledge that they were aiding and abetting the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary duties
to Artio Global stockholders.
51. Aberdeen and Merger Sub rendered substantial assistance to the Individual Defendants in
their breaches of their fiduciary duties to Artio Global stockholders.
52. As a result of Aberdeen and Merger Subs
conduct of aiding and abetting the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary duties, Plaintiff and the other members of the Class have been, and will be, damaged.
53. Unless enjoined by the Court, Aberdeen and Merger Sub will continue to aid and abet the Individual Defendants breaches of their fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiff and the members of the Class,
and will aid and abet a process that inhibits the maximization of stockholder value and the disclosure of material information.
54. Plaintiff and the other members of the Class have no adequate remedy at law. Only through the exercise of this Courts equitable
powers can Plaintiff and the Class be fully protected from immediate and irreparable injury which defendants actions threaten to inflict.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment and
preliminary and permanent relief, including injunctive relief, in his favor and in favor of the Class, and against the defendants as follows:
A. Certifying this case as a class action, certifying Plaintiff as Class representative and his counsel as Class counsel;
B. Permanently enjoining the defendants and all those acting in concert with them from consummating the Buyout;
C. To the extent that the Buyout is consummated before this Courts entry of final judgment, rescinding it and setting it aside or awarding rescissory damages;
D. Enjoining the Individual Defendants from initiating any defensive measures that would inhibit their ability to maximize value for
Artio Global stockholders;
E. Directing defendants to account to Plaintiff and the Class for all damages suffered by them as
a result of defendants wrongful conduct alleged herein;
F. Awarding Plaintiff the costs, expenses, and disbursements of
this action, including any attorneys and experts fees and expenses and, if applicable, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; and
G. Granting Plaintiff such other and further relief as the Court determines to be just and proper.
K-8
JURY DEMAND
Plaintiff demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
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Dated: February 25, 2013
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GARDY & NOTIS, LLP
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/s/ Jonathan Adler
Mark C. Gardy
James S. Notis
Meagan A. Farmer
Jonathan Adler
501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1408
New York, New York
10017
Tel: 212-905-0509
Fax:
212-905-0508
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GARDY & NOTIS, LLP
Charles A. Germershausen
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632
Tel: 201-567-7377
Fax: 201-567-7337
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RYAN & MANISKAS, LLP
Richard A. Maniskas
995 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 311
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
Tel:
484-588-5516
Fax: 484-450-2582
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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K-9
Annex L
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FILED: NEW YORK COUNTY CLERK 03/25/2013
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INDEX NO. 650625/2013
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NYSCEF DOC. NO. 13
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RECEIVED NYSCEF: 03/25/2013
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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
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JOSEPH FERNICOLA, On Behalf of Himself
and All Others Similarly Situated,
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Index No. 650625/2013
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Plaintiff,
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AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT
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v.
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JURY TRIAL DEMAND
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.,
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FRANCIS LEDWIDGE, TONY WILLIAMS,
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RICHARD PELL, ROBERT JACKSON,
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DUANE KULLBERG, CHRISTOPHER
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WRIGHT, ABERDEEN ASSET
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MANAGEMENT PLC and GUARDIAN
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ACQUISITION CORPORATION,
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Defendants.
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Plaintiff Joseph Fernicola (Plaintiff) submits this amended class action complaint by and
through his undersigned counsel, and makes the following allegations upon information and belief, except as to those allegations specifically pertaining to Plaintiff, which are predicated upon the investigation undertaken by Plaintiffs
counsel:
NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of the public stockholders of Artio Global Investors Inc. (Artio or the Company) and against members of Artios Board of
Directors (the Board or the Individual Defendants) for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty arising from their attempt to sell the Company to Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (Aberdeen) by means of an unfair process
and for an unfair price.
2. On February 14, 2013, Aberdeen and the Company announced that they had reached a definitive
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement), whereby Aberdeen, through its wholly owned subsidiary Guardian Acquisition Corporation (Merger Sub), will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Artio in an all-cash
transaction for $2.75 per share (the Buyout). The Buyout is valued at approximately $175 million. The Board has breached its fiduciary duties by agreeing to the Buyout for grossly inadequate consideration. As described in more detail
below, given Artios recent strong performance as well as its future growth prospects, the consideration stockholders will receive is inadequate and undervalues the Company.
3. The Buyout is the result of a materially deficient sales process in which the Board focused on benefits to Richard Pell
(Pell), the Companys Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and director, and RudolphRiad Younes (Younes), the Companys Head of International Equity, rather than maximizing the value to be received by
the Companys stockholders. At the time of the Companys initial public
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offering, Pell and Younes entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA). The TRA entitled them to receive payments from Artio corresponding with Artios realization of certain
tax benefits. Those tax benefits would realized along with a change-of-control of the Company, which would burden Artio or its successor with making these payments thus, reducing the price a buyer would pay for the Company.
4. Considerations and complications surrounding the TRA disproportionately dominated the sales process. It discouraged potential
purchasers and, ultimately, persuaded the Board to quickly settle on an agreement with Aberdeen (a potential purchaser agreeing to make certain payments with respect to the TRA) rather than exploring negotiations with other interested parties.
5. The Buyout is not in the interest of stockholders. It is, however, beneficial to the Companys officers and directors
who stand to gain unique benefits from the deal. In addition to the sizeable payments that Pell and Younes will receive from Aberdeen in connection with a revised and amended TRA agreement, each share of restricted stock and each restricted stock
unit held by the Companys officers and directors will automatically vest upon consummation of the Buyout. Furthermore, the Buyout will trigger the payment of severance, retention and deferred compensation payments to several of the
Companys executive officers.
6. Defendants have exacerbated their breaches of fiduciary duty by agreeing to lock up the
Buyout with deal protection devices that preclude other bidders from making a successful competing offer for the Company. Specifically, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Individual Defendants agreed to: (i) a strict no-solicitation
provision that prevents the Company from soliciting other potential acquirers or even in continuing discussions and negotiations with potential acquirers; (ii) a matching rights provision allowing Aberdeen, within five
(5) business days, to match any competing proposal in the event one is made; and (iii) a termination fee that requires that the Company pay Aberdeen a termination fee of $5.7 million in order to enter into a superior proposal. These
provisions substantially and improperly limit the Boards ability to act with respect to investigating and pursuing superior proposals and alternatives, including a sale of all or part of Artio.
7. Defendants have also coupled the Merger Agreement with a series of voting agreements to irrevocably lock up votes in favor of the
Buyout. As part of the Merger Agreement, GAM Holding AG (GAM Holding) (Artio Globals former parent company), Pell and Younes have entered into irrevocable voting agreements, representing approximately 45% of the Companys
outstanding shares, under which they have agreed to vote in favor of the Buyout. Therefore, the Buyout is a
fait accompli
because approximately only 10% of the shares not owned by GAM Holding, Pell and Younes are needed to vote yes to approve
the Buyout.
8. In addition, on March 13, 2013, the Company filed a Preliminary 14A Proxy Statement (the
Proxy) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the Buyout. The Proxy fails to provide the Companys stockholders with material information and/or provides them with materially
misleading information thereby rendering the stockholders unable to make an informed decision as to how to vote at the special stockholder meeting.
9. In pursuing the unlawful plan to facilitate the acquisition of Artio by Aberdeen for grossly inadequate consideration pursuant to a flawed sales process, each of the defendants violated applicable law
by directly breaching, and/ or aiding the other defendants breaches of, their fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, independence, good faith and fair dealing.
10. The Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care, and Aberdeen and Merger Sub have aided and abetted such breaches by Artios officers and directors.
Plaintiff seeks to enjoin the Buyout unless and/or until defendants cure their breaches of fiduciary duty.
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JURISDICTION AND VENUE
11. This Court has jurisdiction over each defendant named herein pursuant to CPLR Section 301. Artio Global is headquartered in New
York and all other defendants are officers and/or directors of Artio Global or entered into contractual agreements with Artio Global and all defendants have sufficient minimum contacts with New York so as to render the exercise of jurisdiction by
the courts of this State permissible under traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.
12. Venue is proper in
the Court because a substantial portion of the transactions and wrongs complained of herein, including defendants primary participation in the wrongful acts detailed herein and aiding and abetting and conspiracy in violation of fiduciary
duties owed to Artio Global occurred in New York County. In addition, the Individual Defendants have received substantial compensation in New York County for doing business here and engaging in numerous activities that had an effect in this County.
PARTIES
13. Plaintiff is, and has been at all relevant times was a stockholder of Artio common stock since prior to the wrongs complained of herein.
14. Artio is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal executive offices located
at 330 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Artio is a registered investment adviser that invests in equity and fixed income markets. The Companys common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ART.
15. Defendant Francis Ledwidge (Ledwidge) has been a director of the Company since 2009, and has been Chairman of
the Companys Board of Directors since November 2012. Ledwidge is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of both the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
16. Defendant Tony Williams (Williams) has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a director of the Company
since November 2012. Previously, Williams served as the Companys president since October 2011, Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2007, and a member of the Board from 2004 through September 2009. He joined Artio Global Management
LLC (Artio Global Management) in 2003 as COO and in 2004 became Head of Asset Management Americas.
17. Defendant
Pell has been the Companys CIO since 1995 and is a director of the Company. Previously, Pell was the Companys CEO from December 2007 until November 2012 and Chairman of the Board from September 2009 until November 2012. Pell has served
as Co-Portfolio Manager of the International Equity strategy and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Total Return Bond strategy since 2007.
18. Defendant Robert Jackson (Jackson) has been a director of the Company since 2011. Jackson is a member of both the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
19. Defendant Duane Kullberg (Kullberg) has been a director of the Company since 2009. Kullberg is Chairman of the Audit
Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
20. Defendant Christopher Wright
(Wright) has been a director of the Company since January 2013. Wright is a member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
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21. Defendants referenced in ¶¶15 through 20 are collectively referred to as the
Individual Defendants and/or the Board.
22. Defendant Aberdeen is a public limited company organized
under the laws of the United Kingdom, is headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland. Aberdeen is an asset management firm. Aberdeen stock is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN.
23. Defendant Merger Sub is a Delaware corporation wholly owned by Aberdeen that was created for the purposes of effectuating the Buyout.
24. Collectively, the Individual Defendants, Aberdeen, and Merger Sub are referred to herein as the Defendants.
SUBSTANTIVE ALLEGATIONS
Company Background
25. Artio is the indirect holding company
of Artio Global Management, which is a registered investment adviser that invests in global income and equity markets primarily for institutional and intermediary clients. Artio offers a variety of investment strategies, including High Grade Fixed
Income, High Yield, International Equity and Global Equity. Artio offers its clients access to these strategies through various investment vehicles, including separate accounts, commingled funds and mutual funds.
26. The Company went public in 2009. In concert with its initial public offering in September of that year, the Company entered into the
TRA with Pell and Younes. By its terms, the TRA entitled Pell and Younes to receive payments from Artio associated with Artio realization of certain tax benefits. Under the TRA as originally executed, the occurrence of any transaction that would
constitute a change of control of Artio would result in Artio or its successor having been deemed to have sufficient taxable income to fully realize these tax benefits for the purposes of the TRA, generally entitling Pell and Younes to receive
certain payments related to these deemed benefits without regard to the actual timing and amount of their realization by Artio. According to the TRA, a change-of-control would be deemed to have taken place in the instance that another entity
controlled 50% or more of the voting or equity interests of the Company, or if the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company were to take place.
27. As part of the Companys 2011 Annual Report, Pell, the Companys then-current CEO, CIO, and Chairman of the Board, wrote a letter to stockholders discussing the Companys performance
during 2011 and its future business prospects. Although Pell recognized difficult economic conditions and skittish investors, he was optimistic about the Companys future business prospects. Specifically, Pell wrote, Looking ahead, we
[the Company] see reasons for optimism amid the challenges. Pell went on to describe that within Artios International Equity and Global Equity strategies, we remain bullish on the opportunities that long-term secular growth in
emerging market consumption will provide and pledged to take a tactical, more defensive, near-term posture with longer-term, more strategic, structurally attractive ideas.
28. In an April 26, 2012 press release, the Company announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. In
the press release, Pell discussed how the Company was taking concrete steps to improve its long-term business prospects. Pell stated, in relevant part:
Looking ahead, we are committed to managing through expected near term headwinds by focusing on further improving performance in our International Equity strategies, controlling costs in line with
revenues and maintaining a conservative balance sheet. In keeping with the latter, we have reduced our quarterly dividend and recently repaid our remaining term debt. We believe these actions, coupled with the cash generating capacity of our
business, will further strengthen our financial position.
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29. Artio continued to reshape its business to better position it for future success,
including eliminating unproductive sectors of the Company. In an August 3, 2012 press release, Pell stated, in relevant part:
We are realigning our business in order to focus on the asset classes where we believe active investment management offers the greatest opportunities to benefit clients[.]
***
Accordingly, we are closing our US Equity strategies, which at the end of the second quarter represented less than one percent of the
firms total assets under management.
***
This action, together with other cost reduction efforts, will result in meaningful operating expense savings. Most importantly, it
enables us to concentrate our resources on our long-established expertise in cross border investing in both equity and fixed income markets, and to continue pursuing growth and diversification opportunities within these core product areas.
30. The Company continued to execute its plan to reposition the business for future growth. In Artios October 30,
2012 press release, Pell discussed how the Company shifted its focus around its expertise and was committed to investing for future growth. Pell was quoted as saying, in relevant part:
Strategically, we have realigned the business around our expertise in cross-border investing across both equity and fixed income markets,
with particular focus on repairing our International Equity track records and growing our highly rated fixed income strategies. At the same time, we continue to concentrate on managing expenses and maintaining the strength of our balance sheet, and
remain focused on investing for future growth.
31. The Companys efforts to turn itself around began to truly take
effect in the fourth quarter of 2012. Discussing the Companys improved performance in this quarter, both in terms of its past efforts and its peers, Williams stated:
As for our performance in flows, if I look at the fourth quarter and the more recent month of January, weve had a very strong performance period. The fourth quarter was good, pretty much across all
our core strategies. And January has proved a great start for the year with all strategies except Global Equity placing in the top third of the Lipper peer groups for performance over the month with International Equity I and II placing in the first
and second percentiles respectively.
Looking at the 2012 fourth quarter in more detail, starting with our fixed-income
strategies which represented roughly 2/3 of our overall assets under management as of December 31. Within HighGrade, our total return bond fund saw continued good performance, beating its benchmark for the fourth quarter and ending the year
over 200 basis points ahead. Although this resulted in third-quarter Lipper rankings for performance over both periods, its long-term performance remains very competitive. Specifically at year-end, it ranked in the 29th percentile of Lipper rankings
for performances over both three and five years, and in the eighth and 11th percentiles respectively for performance over 10 years and since inception.
For the fourth quarter, our HighGrade strategy experienced net outflows of $95 million partly offset by market appreciation. $50 million of these net outflows came from a sub-advised medium-term cash
product as a result of an organizational change in the underlying fund. And as such, this was low-margin business for us. For completeness, the balance of the net outflows in this strategy came from the mutual fund vehicle while institutional
vehicles experienced net inflows.
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Our HighYield strategy produced strong performance versus its Lipper peers, ranking in the
top quartile for performance during the fourth quarter and in the 34th percentile for 2012. By the year-end, its long-term peer group rankings were also very competitive with a top-quartile Lipper ranking for performance over five years and a top
decile ranking for performance since inception.
Furthermore, at the end of January, the I Class shares of this strategy
reached their ten-year anniversary, achieving a top decile Lipper ranking for performance over that time frame. It was also recently awarded an additional star by Morningstar, bringing it to four stars, an important distinction within intermediated
channels. All of which are strong positives in terms of its competitive positioning and ability to attract and retain assets going forward. During the fourth quarter, however, our high-yield strategy did see net outflows taking $544 million
primarily from retail vehicles, which was partly offset by market appreciation.
Turning to our International Equity
strategies, our International Equity strategies posted very strong returns for the fourth quarter resulting in Lipper rankings in the 13th percentile for both strategies over that period. Versus benchmark, both our International Equity I and II
funds ended the fourth quarter around 190 basis points ahead of benchmark, bringing them much closer to benchmark for the full year. And as I mentioned, this outperformance continued in January, which is very encouraging. We feel good about the way
these portfolios are behaving in the current market environment and believe the realignment of the team we undertook in the fall has had a positive impact. Net outflows from our International Equity strategies totaled $2.8 billion for the fourth
quarter and for the month of January, these strategies experienced reduce net outflows of around $400 million.
The Buyout
32. In a press release dated February 14, 2013, the Company announced that it had entered into the Merger
Agreement with Aberdeen pursuant to which Aberdeen, through Merger Sub, will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for $2.75 per share in cash.
33. Given the Companys positioning for growth, the Buyout consideration is inadequate and significantly undervalues the Company.
34. Artio stock had been trading in excess of the Buyout offer price of $2.75 per share in the fourth quarter of 2012. In fact, as
recently as February 23, 2012, roughly one year prior to the announcement of the Buyout, Artios stock closed at $4.94 per share.
35. Furthermore, in a December 11, 2012 article published on
seekingalpha.com,
one author contended that Artios price was severely undervalued. According to his calculations, the author
gave the Company a valuation of $4.94, which was 110% higher than the then-current market price.
36. Another article on the
same website, published on February 5, 2013, contended that Artio was an attractive buyout target because it was undervalued and poised for future growth. The article stated, in relevant part:
Artio has seen redemptions in some of its international equity funds due to disappointing results in the past. This is a problem for
investment firms as investors can be fickle and either flood a fund with money when it performs well or withdraw when other funds are performing better. However, Artio might be poised for a major rebound or even a buyout as it appears that the worst
could be over. It also looks like investors have taken the shares well below fair value.
* * *
First of all, Artio shares went public in 2009 for $25 and the stock now trades for about $2. This decline in share price seems very
excessive and the stock could be primed for a significant rally. At just around $2, this company has a market capitalization of just about $120 million. This looks like pocket change when you
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consider that Artio reported around $14.3 billion in assets under management or AUM in December 2012. This was down from about $15 billion in AUM in November, but it
appears that the redemptions are slowing down significantly which is great news. That could be a sign to buy this stock as it trades at what might be the bottom.
* * *
With redemption rates slowing significantly, and since Artio still
has over $14 billion under management and a market capitalization of just around $120 million, this company could be poised to see a big rebound in its stock as investors see the value in it[.]
* * *
Artio shares look extremely cheap by looking further into the balance sheet. This company has about $80 million in cash and just around
$5.5 million in debt. The cash is equivalent to about $1.33 per share. When you back out the cash of roughly $80 million from the market capitalization, that leaves the company with an enterprise value of only about $42 million. This means that an
acquiring company could get control of over $14 billion in assets, for just about $42 million (net of cash), based on the current share price. This is pocket change for many investment firms and Artio could also be very attractive as a buyout from a
private equity firm. This bargain stock is also trading below book value which is $2.39 per share. In spite of having a tough year in 2012, Artio has been able to report positive adjusted earnings and EBITDA. For the nine months ended on
September 30, 2012, the company reported adjusted earnings of 23 cents per share and adjusted net income of 7 cents per share for the third quarter of 2012.
(Emphasis added.)
37. Additionally, the Buyout price fails to account for the
various synergies expected to occur through the merger. As stated by Aberdeens CEO Martin Gilbert (Gilbert) on a February 14, 2013 conference call discussing the Buyout, Aberdeen anticipates that with the various
synergies . . . [the Buyout is] . . . earnings per share enhancing in year 1.
38. Expanding on the kinds of synergies
Aberdeen expects to see through the Buyout, Gilbert further specified: The distribution is complementary to ours. Its small like ours, but they have different relationships, so I think its going to really enhance our distribution
in the US.
39. Aberdeen is seeking to acquire the Company at the most opportune time, at a time when the Company is
performing very well and is positioned for tremendous growth.
The Companys Directors and Officers are Receiving Unique
Benefits
40. Rather than negotiate a transaction that was in the best interests of Artios stockholders, the
Companys executive officers were acting to better their own personal interests through the Buyout.
41. First, unvested
equity awards, including each share of restricted stock and each restricted stock unit held by the Companys officers and directors will automatically vest upon consummation of the Buyout. In addition, the Companys executive officers will
receive payments with respect to all dividend interest and equivalents that have accrued on the unvested equity awards. Although the Proxy fails to disclose the unvested equity awards held by the Companys directors, the compensation to be
received by the Companys executive officers through this vesting is detailed in the chart below:
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Name
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Restricted
Stock ($)
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Restricted
Stock Units ($)
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Cash and
Share
Dividends ($)
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Total Equity
($)
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Tony Williams
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488,430
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230,004
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20,883
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747,317
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Frank Harte
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407,575
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12,695
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420,270
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Richard Pell
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474,427
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29,664
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504,091
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42. In addition, the Companys executive officers stand to receive various lucrative payments in
connection with the Buyout. First, the Companys executive officers will receive generous severance payments in the event their employment is terminated in connection with the merger. Additionally, Williams and Frank Harte (Harte),
the Companys Chief Financial Officer (CFO), have entered into retention agreements in connection with the merger, which will entitle Williams and Harte to receive retention payments in the event that they remain with the Company
until the payment date scheduled for 2016. The compensation the Companys executive officers stand to receive through these and other payments is detailed in the Golden Parachute Compensation chart below:
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Name
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Severance
($)
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Retention
($)
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Pension/
NQDC
($)
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Perquisites
/Benefits
($)
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Tax
Reimbursement
($)
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Total ($)
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Tony Williams
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4,750,000
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610,500
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92,115
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71,896
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87,272
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6,359,101
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Frank Harte
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2,475,000
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499,500
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81,649
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71,896
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84,812
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3,633,126
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Richard Pell
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500,000
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970,089
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54,310
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2,028,490
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Rudolph- Riad Younes
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600,000
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837,822
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60,172
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1,497,994
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43. Furthermore, in accordance with negotiations surrounding the Buyout, the TRA was amended to modify
the payments Pell and Younes may receive. Pursuant to the amended and restated TRA (Amended and Restated TRA), Pell and Younes will still receive the benefits to be realized by them under the TRA relating to the 2011 and 2012 years. In
addition, Aberdeen will pay Pell and Younes 85% of 35% of the amount of certain tax benefit items for 2013, an estimated $7.0 million payment. Furthermore, the Amended and Restated TRA provides for the possibility of Pell and Younes receiving other
payments associated with the realization by Aberdeen and its affiliates of certain tax benefits realized after January 1, 2014.
44. Thus, while the Buyout is not in the best interest of Artios stockholders, it will produce lucrative benefits for the Companys officers and directors, particularly Pell and Younes, whose
TRA benefits shaped the sales process.
The Materially Deficient Sales Process
45. The Buyout is the result of a materially deficient sales process in which the Board unduly focused their efforts on reaching an
agreement that would result in lucrative payments to Pell and Younes under the TRA, rather than focusing their efforts on negotiating a deal which would maximize stockholder value.
46. The TRA was a central component of any sale of the Company from the very beginning, with the Board discussing the possible
implications that the TRA and its change-of-control provisions would have on Artios consideration of potential strategic transactions in October 2011.
47. In the first half of 2012, Goldman Sachs & Co. (Goldman Sachs), the Companys financial advisor, contacted several potential buyers and received several indications of
interest. On January 12, 2012, shortly after the initial contacts were made, a special committee of independent directors was formed to oversee the sales process (the Special Committee). The Special Committee discussed the potential
impact the TRA would have on the Companys discussions with potential buyers seeking to acquire the Company. Similar conversations regarding the TRA were held on February 9, 2012 and June 25, 2012.
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48. During this time, one potential acquirer, referred to as Party F, submitted an
indication of interest to acquire the Company for $3.75 per share. On July 5, 2012, after receiving this indication of interest, the Special Committee once again discussed the impact that the TRA would have on negotiations with Party F, as well
as undisclosed assumptions regarding the TRA underlying Party Fs proposal.
49. On July 9, 2012 the Special
Committee met with Younes and Pell to assess their willingness to forgo some of their anticipated payments under the TRA in order to negotiate a better value for stockholders in a transaction with Party F. Pell communicated that he and Younes would
be unwilling to forgo any of the payments to which they would otherwise be entitled to under the TRA. On July 10, 2012, Pell and Younes did agree to make a minor concession, forgoing the next $15 million in payments to which they otherwise
would be entitled pursuant to the TRA, however, their concession was conditioned on Party F raising its offer price by at least 25 cents per share.
50. Following this communication, the Special Committee met once again to discuss whether more meaningful concessions regarding TRA payments should be requested of Pell and Younes. The Special Committee
quickly decided that the fulfillment of such requests would be unlikely and so, no further requests or concessions of Pell and Younes were made with respect to the TRA.
51. More than a month passed without further meaningful negotiations between the Company and Party F. When pressed by Goldman Sachs for a reason regarding Party Fs delayed response to a
counter-offer proposed by the Company, Company Fs financial advisor identified several issues that would need to be resolved before negotiations could progress, including concerns surrounding the TRA.
52. These concerns remaining unresolved, on August 15, 2012 Party Fs financial advisor communicated that Party F would not
move forward with a transaction at any price.
53. Despite having lost the opportunity to execute a transaction with Party F
at $3.75 per share, in part due to the TRA, rather than push for changes to the TRA that would make the Company a more attractive acquiring target, the Special Committee continued to allow the TRA and the interests of Pell and Younes to shape the
sales process.
54. During the second half of 2012 the Company solicited and was contacted by various potential acquirers,
several of which declined to explore a potential transaction with the Company due to issues such as the risks and complexities surrounding the TRA.
55. Additionally, the Special Committee steered the sales process away from parties interested in transactions that may not have triggered the valuable change-in-control payments provided for
in the TRA. On December 17, 2012, the Companys management had a teleconference with a potential purchaser referred to as Party K. During the discussion, Party K stated that it was interested in acquiring only the assets of Artios IE
Strategies (and not the related personnel or any of the other personnel and assets of Artio). As the TRAs change-in-control payments are only triggered when all, or substantially all of the Companys assets are acquired, it appears that
such a transaction would not trigger these payments. Unsurprisingly, the Proxy offers no further information on any discussions held between Party K and the Company.
56. Likewise, on December 18, 2012 members of management met with another potential purchaser referred to as Party I. Like Party K, Party I expressed an interest in purchasing the Companys
assets, rather than acquiring the Company as a whole. It is unclear from the discussion present in the Proxy whether the asset sale proposed by Party I would be for a sufficient amount of the Companys assets to trigger the change-in-control
clause contained in the TRA.
57. Once again, on December 27, 2012, the Special Committee discussed the impact of the TRA
on its negotiations with potential acquirers, and instructed Goldman Sachs to make sure that all potential acquirers were aware of the TRAs terms and conditions. A little over a week later, Goldman Sachs discussed with the Special
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Committee the parameters of the asset sale proposed by Party I. After this consultation, the Special Committee, for no apparent reason, determined that Party I was unlikely to present an
attractive offer for Artio, and therefore, found it unadvisable to continue discussions with Party I.
58. Additionally, the
Company engaged in negotiations with another potential acquirer, referred to as Party N, throughout January and early February of 2012. Although on February 4, 2012, Party N submitted an indication of interest of up to $2.50 per share
just $0.25 per share lower than the Buyout value this indication of interest came with the caveat that all rights to payment under the TRA would be terminated.
59. Once again, rather than negotiate with Pell and Younes surrounding the TRA payments, so that viable negotiations with Party N could continue, the Special Committee simply resigned itself to the fact
that Pell and Younes would not relinquish their rights under the TRA. As a result, in accordance with Pell and Younes interests, the Special Committee conveyed to Party N that if it was not in a position to materially increase its offer, it
should cease further analysis and due diligence.
60. From this point on, the Special Committee focused solely on reaching a
deal with Aberdeen, the only potential acquirer seemingly prepared to dole out millions of dollars to Pell and Younes in connection with the TRA. In addition, Aberdeen offered another concession appealing to members of the Companys management.
As part of Aberdeen and the Companys negotiations, Aberdeen agreed to allow the Company to issue the retention awards discussed above, thus providing increased incentives for Williams and Harte to reach an agreement with Aberdeen.
61. The Companys focus on reaching a deal with Aberdeen was further aided by the fact that the Companys financial advisor,
Goldman Sachs was conflicted. Goldman Sachs has provided various financial services to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. (Mitsubishi), who holds approximately 19% of Aberdeens outstanding common stock. During the two-year period
ended February 13, 2013, the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs has received compensation for services provided to Mitsubishi and its affiliates of approximately $740,000.
62. In February of 2013, two potential acquirers one previously in negotiations with the Company, referred to as Party G, and one
newly reaching out to the Company to express its interest, referred to as Party P expressed an interest in a potential transaction with the Company. Seeking to secure the benefits to members of management procured through negotiations with
Aberdeen, the Special Committee and Company management summarily dismissed both Party G and Party P, never assessing their potential offers.
63. As such, the Board chose to disregard stockholder interest and rush into a deal with Aberdeen, the party that, while offering an unfair and inadequate value to stockholders, was willing to pay
substantial compensation to Pell and Younes under the Amended and Restated TRA.
The Buyer-Friendly Terms of the Merger Agreement
64. On February 14, 2013, the Company announced that it had entered in the Merger Agreement. Under the terms
of the Merger Agreement, Defendants agreed to certain onerous and preclusive deal protection devices that operate conjunctively to make the Buyout a
fait accompli
and ensure that no competing offers will emerge for the Company.
65. Section 7.7(a) of the Merger Agreement includes a no solicitation provision barring the Company from soliciting
interest from other potential acquirers in order to procure a price in excess of the amount offered by Aberdeen. Section 7.7(a) demands that the Company terminate any and all prior or on-going discussions with other potential acquirers.
66. Pursuant to §7.7(e) of the Merger Agreement, should an unsolicited bidder submit a competing proposal, the Company
must notify Aberdeen of the bidders identity and the terms of the bidders offer. Thereafter, § 7.7(d) demands that should the Board determine to enter into a superior competing proposal (Superior
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Proposal), it must grant Aberdeen five (5) business days in which the Company must negotiate in good faith with Aberdeen (if Aberdeen so desires) and allow Aberdeen to amend the terms
of the Merger Agreement so that any competing proposal would no longer constitute a Superior Proposal. In other words, the Merger Agreement gives Aberdeen access to any rival bidders information and allows Aberdeen a free right to
top any superior offer simply by matching it. Accordingly, no rival bidder is likely to emerge and act as a stalking horse, because the Merger Agreement unfairly assures that any auction will favor Aberdeen and piggy-back upon the due
diligence of the foreclosed second bidder.
67. The Merger Agreement also provides that Artio must pay Aberdeen a termination
fee of $5.7 million if the Company decides to pursue the competing offer, thereby essentially requiring that the competing bidder agree to pay a naked premium for the right to provide the stockholders with a superior offer.
68. The voting agreements among Pell, Younes, and GAM Holding likewise is designed to preclude other bidders. The voting agreements lock
up 45% of the vote in favor of the Buyout.
69. Ultimately, these preclusive deal protection provisions illegally restrain the
Companys ability to solicit or engage in negotiations with any third party regarding a proposal to acquire all or a significant interest in the Company. The circumstances under which the Board may respond to an unsolicited written bona fide
proposal for an alternative acquisition that constitutes or would reasonably be expected to constitute a Superior Proposal are too narrowly circumscribed to provide an effective fiduciary out under the circumstances.
The Materially False and Misleading Proxy
70. On March 13, 2013, the Company filed the Proxy with the SEC in connection with the Buyout.
71. The Individual Defendants are withholding material information about the Buyout from Artios public stockholders. The Proxy, pursuant to which the Board has recommended that the Companys
stockholders vote in favor of the Buyout, contains numerous material omissions and misstatements in contravention of the Boards duty of care and complete candor.
72. The Proxy fails to provide the Companys stockholders with all material information and/or provides them with materially misleading information thereby precluding the stockholders from making a
fully informed decision regarding the Buyout.
Disclosures Related to the Events Leading Up to the Announcement of the Buyout
73. The Proxy fails to disclose material information concerning the events leading up to the announcement of the
Buyout, including:
74. The Proxy at page 38 states:
On October 30, 2012, Artio Global reported its results for the third quarter of 2012. Among other things, Artio Global announced, for the third quarter of 2012, adjusted net income of $3.9 million, a
decrease of 75% relative to adjusted net income in the third quarter of 2011. As of the end of the third quarter of 2012, according to Lipper Rankings, the year-to-date 2012 performance of IE 1 and IE 2 ranked in the bottom 94th and 90th percentile,
respectively, among their peer mutual funds (as defined by Lipper Ranking). During the third quarter of 2012, Morningstar decreased the ratings of IE 1 from three stars to two stars and maintained a rating of 2 stars for IE 2.
Also on October 30, 2012, Artio Global announced that Mr. Pell had resigned as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Artio Global,
effective November 1, 2012, but would remain with Artio Global as Chief Investment Officer. In connection with Mr. Pells resignation as CEO, on October 25, 2012, the Board appointed Mr. Williams as Artio Globals CEO
and as a director, effective
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75. The Proxy fails to disclose the rationale for Pell remaining as the Companys Chief
Investment Officer when the Companys performance of IE1 and IE2 had ranked in the bottom 100th and 99th percentile for their peer groups for the full year of 2011 and were ranking in the bottom 94th and 90th percentile in year to date 2012.
76. The Proxy at page 27 states:
At the December 7, 2011 Board meeting, [and] [a]t the request of the Board, representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a presentation concerning potential strategic alternatives available to Artio
Global. Representatives of Davis Polk, outside counsel to Artio Global, reviewed with the Board the directors fiduciary duties as well as the terms and conditions of the TRA which was a longstanding contract among Artio Global, Mr. Pell
and Rudolph-Riad Younes, Artio Globals then-head of International and Global Equities. For a description of the TRA, please see Certain Relationships And Related Person Transactions Related Person Transactions Tax
Receivable Agreement. The Board and its advisors discussed the possible implications of the TRA on Artio Globals consideration of potential strategic transactions, including the potential for actual or perceived conflicts of interest on
the part of Messrs. Pell and Younes (in particular as relates to the provision, which we refer to as the TRA Change of Control Provision, in the TRA providing that, following a change of control of Artio Global, the successor entity is
assumed to have sufficient taxable income to utilize all historic Artio Global tax assets, which we refer to as the Sufficient Income Assumption, thus ensuring for Messrs. Pell and Younes the maximum amount of payments they might
otherwise be entitled to under the TRA, irrespective of whether the successor entity had sufficient taxable income to use all such assets during this period) . . . .
77. The Proxy fails to disclose the possible implications of the TRAs on Artios consideration of strategic transactions discussed by the Board and its advisors on December 7,
2011, January 12, 2012, February 9, 2012, June 25, 2012 and December 27, 2012. Additionally, the Proxy must disclose the risks and complexities relating to the TRA that would lead the Board decline a potential
transaction with the Company.
78. The Proxy at page 29 states:
On December 16, 2011, the Board held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Harte and Williams and representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Davis Polk at the Boards invitation. Mr. Pell and representatives of Goldman Sachs reported to the Board on the discussions with the senior executive of the Significant Shareholder. The Board then excused Messrs. Pell, Harte and
Williams and discussed materials provided by senior management, at the Committees request, concerning the business challenges currently facing Artio Global and the related timing of those pressures. Following discussion, the Board (acting upon
the recommendation of the Committee) determined that it was in the best interests of Artio Global and its public shareholders to structure a strategic review process in a manner that would provide a timely review of alternatives and minimize the
risk of any leaks. The Committee members determined to move quickly in their discussions with the Significant Shareholder and, if thereafter desirable, to approach a limited number of other potential bidders in order to maintain confidentiality and
mitigate the significant risk of further client assets being withdrawn from funds managed by Artio Global and the loss of key employees. The Committee members instructed Davis Polk to negotiate the terms of a confidentiality agreement with the
Significant Shareholder. Davis Polk advised the directors on their fiduciary duties concerning their deliberations on the foregoing matters. Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams were then invited to rejoin the meeting, and the Board discussed Artio
Globals stand-alone business plan and instructed Artio Globals senior management to perform an analysis of Artio Globals ability to improve its financial performance on a stand-alone basis.
79. The Proxy fails to disclose material information concerning the Companys stand-alone business plan discussed on
December 16, 2011, December 29, 2011, January 23, 2012, July 5, 2012, July 7, 2012 and August 5, 2012.
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80. The Proxy at page 40 states:
On December 13 and 14, 2012, the Board held regularly scheduled meetings attended by Artio Globals senior management and
representatives of Goldman Sachs at the invitation of the Board. Artio Globals senior management reviewed with the Board projections for Artio Globals business and financial performance in 2013 and the assumptions underlying such
projections. Goldman Sachs and Artio Globals senior management then reviewed with the Board Artio Globals communications with potential buyers since late 2011. The Board then discussed various potential strategic alternatives for Artio
Global.
81. The Proxy fails to disclose the number of potential buyers the Board considered,
i.e.
, strategic buyers or
financial buyers. This information is material to stockholders voting on the Buyout because it is important in determining whether the Board took reasonable steps in shopping the Company to all potential bidders who may have bid on the Company.
Moreover, the Proxy must disclose whether the projections contained in the Proxy are the same as those discussed by the Board on December 13 and 14, 2012, and if not, how these projections differ from those contained in the Proxy.
82. The Proxy at page 40 states:
On December 18, 2012, Messrs. Williams, Harte and Pell had a teleconference with representatives of Party I. The participants discussed various topics related to a potential transaction between the
two companies. Party I stated that it was interested in acquiring only the assets of Artio Global (and not any of Artio Globals personnel or corporate entities) and further stated that any potential asset sale would be subject to the
satisfaction of a substantial number of conditions and price adjustment mechanisms. On January 3, 2012, Party I sent a memorandum to Goldman Sachs describing the proposed asset sale structure and terms and the significant deal conditionality
required in their proposal.
83. The Proxy fails to disclose the specific terms provided by Party I in their memorandum sent
to Goldman Sachs and/or the structure of the proposed assets to be purchased by Part I.
84. The Proxy at page 28 states:
On December 29, 2011, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Harte and Williams and representatives
from Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. The Committee discussed the potential terms of the engagement of Goldman Sachs. The Committee reviewed with Messrs. Williams and Harte senior managements progress on the
development of Artio Globals stand-alone business plan. Mr. Harte discussed with the Committee the need to formulate and implement further cost-reductions in order to maintain profitability on a stand-alone basis. The Committee and its
advisors also discussed the universe of potential buyers, whether such buyers might be interested in pursuing a transaction with Artio Global, and the impact of other ongoing sale processes in the asset management industry on the attractiveness of
Artio Global as a potential acquisition candidate.
85. The Proxy fails to disclose whether the Company contacted each member
of the universe of potential buyers discussed by the Special Committee on December 29, 2011, and if not, the reasons for which certain of these potential buyers were not contacted.
86. The Proxy at page 30 states:
Following the January 4, 2012 Committee meeting, representatives of Goldman Sachs, at the Committees direction, contacted representatives of each of Parties A through E. Between January 10
and 19, 2012, Artio Global entered into confidentiality agreements, which included customary standstill provisions, with Parties A-D. Throughout January, at the Committees direction, members of the senior management of Artio Global and
representatives of Goldman Sachs held meetings and teleconferences with representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Parties A-D to permit such entities to conduct confidential due diligence and facilitate the potential buyers respective
evaluations of a potential transaction with Artio Global.
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87. The Proxy fails to disclose the criteria used to select the initial five potential
buyers reviewed by Goldman Sachs on January 4, 2012.
88. The Proxy at page 40 states:
On January 8, 2013, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Williams and Harte and representatives of Goldman
Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. The Committee discussed with its advisors and Messrs. Williams and Harte the status of discussions with various potential buyers, including Aberdeen. In this respect, Goldman Sachs summarized
the parameters of a transaction that Party I had stated it might be interested in, including Party Is valuation approach and the structure, conditionality and price adjustment and earn-out mechanisms Party I stated it would require. After
consultation with Goldman Sachs and further discussions, the Committee determined that, based on Goldman Sachss report and various other related factors, Party I was unlikely to present an attractive offer for Artio Globals shareholders
and it would not be advisable to conduct further discussions with Party I. Goldman Sachs then reported that Aberdeen had requested guidance on Artio Globals price expectations before making a proposal for per share consideration. The Committee
discussed at length whether it would be advisable to provide such guidance at that point in time and determined that, in light of the various uncertainties with respect to transaction structure and other terms that might affect Aberdeens
valuation (including, for example, treatment of Artio Globals tax assets and potential arrangements with respect to the TRA), it was premature to provide any price guidance to Aberdeen. The Committee also discussed, in light of Aberdeens
indication that it might terminate Artio Globals international equities team after completing a possible transaction, the benefits and risks associated with various different approaches to managing Artio Globals IE Strategies between the
signing and closing of a possible transaction with Aberdeen.
89. The Proxy must disclose the parameters of the transaction
proposed by Party I discussed by Goldman Sachs on January 8, 2013 as well as the reasons for which the Special Committee decided that Party I was unlikely to present an attractive offer for Artio and determined to cease discussions with Party
I.
90. The Proxy at page 42 states:
On January 16, 2013, a representative of Goldman Sachs had a telephone conference with Aberdeens CEO, Mr. Gilbert, and communicated to Aberdeen Artio Globals counterproposal for
Aberdeen to acquire Artio Global for $2.80 to $2.90 per share. The participants also discussed certain of Aberdeens assumptions underlying its valuation analysis of Artio Global and certain other issues related to a potential transaction.
91. The Proxy fails to disclose the assumptions underlying Aberdeens valuation analysis of the Company and material
information regarding the other issues Aberdeen discussed with Goldman Sachs on January 16, 2013.
92. The
Proxy at page 31 states:
On February 3, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Harte
and Williams and representatives from Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. Representatives of Goldman Sachs updated the Committee on the status of discussions with potential buyers, including the fact that only the
Significant Shareholder and Party B continued to express interest in exploring a possible transaction with Artio Global. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided a summary of the reasons given by potential buyers who had decided not to continue to
explore a potential transaction with Artio Global, including the past and expected performance of IE Strategies, the rapid decline in AUM, the concern that potentially significant AUM outflows would continue for some time and the incompatibility of
Artio Globals investment strategies with the respective strategies of the potential buyers. In particular, potential buyers cited an inability to determine where the AUM of the IE Strategies would bottom out
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and, as a result, they were unwilling to pursue a transaction with Artio Global. The Committee and its advisors discussed whether to contact other potential buyers, including a list of additional
potential buyers identified by Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs identified a subset of these buyers that, in Goldman Sachss view, were most likely to be interested in a potential transaction with Artio Global, based on, among other things, such
buyers distribution capabilities, and the availability of potential synergies and cost-saving opportunities from a transaction. The Committee discussed the risk of a leak associated with approaching additional buyers and the potential damages
of such a leak to Artio Global. Representatives of Goldman Sachs then informed the Committee that, during the Committees meeting, representatives of the Significant Shareholder had advised Goldman Sachs that the Significant Shareholder was no
longer interested in pursuing a possible transaction with Artio Global because of, among other reasons, its skepticism as to the ability to retain international equity AUM given the past investment performance of, and recent asset outflows from, IE
Strategies and its belief that it would realize very limited synergies and cost saving opportunities in a possible transaction.
93. The Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the criteria used to select the four additional parties cited by the Special Committee on
February 3, 2012; (ii) the reasons for which these parties were not initially contacted; and (iii) the reasons for which the Special Committee believed these parties would be the parties most likely interested in a transaction with
the Company. Additionally, the Proxy fails to disclose material information concerning the discussions between Aberdeen and two of Artios fixed income portfolio managers discussed on February 8, 2012. Similarly, the Proxy fails to
disclose the reasons for which Williams required that Party G promptly offer a price that represented a substantial premium to the tangible book value of Artio in order to engage in discussions on February 9, 2013 and if the Special Committee
directed him to give such a requirement. Further, the Proxy fails to disclose material information relating to the discussions between Artio and Party Ps advisor which led the Special Committee to conclude that there was no reason to believe
that Party Ps inquiry was likely to result in a transaction that would present a superior value proposition to Aberdeens offer.
94. The Proxy at page 32 states:
On February 16, 2012, the Committee held a
meeting attended by Elizabeth Buse, an independent member of the Board, Messrs. Pell and Harte, and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. Representatives of Goldman Sachs reported that all four of the
additional potential buyers identified at the February 3, 2012 Committee meeting had informed Goldman Sachs that they were not interested in pursuing a potential transaction with Artio Global given, among other things, market conditions, the
incompatibility of Artio Global with the respective potential buyers, the potential buyers evaluation of Artio Globals customer base and future uncertainties related to IE Strategies. Goldman Sachs also reported that the Significant
Shareholder had stated that it had received an inquiry from a third party concerning the potential acquisition of the Significant Shareholders ownership in Artio Global, that the Significant Shareholder had inquired whether such third party
would be interested in exploring the potential acquisition of Artio Global, and that such third party had stated that it was not interested in exploring a potential acquisition of Artio Global. Following this discussion, the Committee determined
that, considering, among others, the risks associated with a potential leak of Artio Globals ongoing strategic review and the perceived unlikelihood that other potential buyers in the market might be interested in exploring a potential
transaction and presenting an offer that would represent attractive value for Artio Globals stockholders, it would not be in the best interests of Artio Global and its shareholders at that point in time to reach out to additional potential
buyers. The Committee then met in executive session with Ms. Buse and Davis Polk.
95. The Proxy fails to disclose the
matters discussed in the executive session held by the Special Committee with Ms. Buse and Davis Polk on February 16, 2012.
96. The Proxy at page 33 states:
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On June 25, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives
of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs provided an update on the status of communications with potential buyers. The Committee also discussed the TRA and its potential impact on Artio
Globals valuation and the Committees consideration of potential strategic alternatives. After discussions, the Committee determined to invite Party F and Party G to submit indications of interest concerning a potential transaction with
Artio Global.
97. The Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the criteria used to select the additional parties by Goldman Sachs
between April 2012 and June 2012; (ii) who selected these parties; and (iii) Goldman Sachs rationale not initially contacting these parties.
98. The Proxy at page 34 states:
At or around this period of time, at the
Committees direction, representatives of Goldman Sachs reached out again to representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Party B, the two entities with which Artio Global had previously had contact and which had declined to pursue an
acquisition of Artio Global due to the then-current market price of Artio Globals common stock, in light of the stock price decrease since those discussions. Representatives of the Significant Shareholder and Party B informed Goldman Sachs
that they remained uninterested in pursuing a potential transaction with Artio Global.
99. The Proxy fails to disclose the
rationale for Goldman Sachs choice to only reach out again to the Significant Shareholder and Part B, during or around July of 2012.
100. The Proxy at page 34 states:
On July 5, 2012, the Committee held a
telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees invitation. Representatives of Goldman Sachs made a presentation summarizing, among other things, Artio Globals discussions with 18
potential buyers since late 2011. The Goldman Sachs representatives noted that Party F was the only buyer that continued to express interest in a potential transaction with Artio Global and reviewed the reasons given by potential buyers (other than
Party F) for declining to pursue discussions concerning a potential transaction, which reasons included, among other things, Artio Globals past financial performance, its declining AUM, the risks that a transaction would trigger further losses
in AUM and the continued and rapid deterioration of Artio Globals business. The representatives of Goldman Sachs also confirmed that the Significant Shareholder and Party B remained uninterested in exploring a potential transaction with Artio
Global. The Committee considered whether to reach out to any other potential buyers that had previously been contacted and concluded that, in light of the reasons previously provided by such buyers for declining to engage in discussions, coupled
with the fact that conditions at Artio Global had only worsened since such discussions, these buyers likely would not be interested. The Committee also discussed its view that, as before, the risks associated with information leaks outweighed the
potential benefits. The Committee and its advisors also discussed the terms of Party Fs proposal, the relative value to Artio Globals shareholders of Party Fs proposal and Artio Globals stand-alone business plan, the mixed
form of consideration offered by Party F, the impact of the TRA on discussions with Party F, and certain other terms and conditions proposed by Party F. The Committee and its advisors noted that, while the Committee had not decided to take any
action with respect to Party Fs proposal, the per share price offered potentially attractive value to Artio Globals shareholders. The Committee and its advisors discussed the assumptions concerning the TRA underlying Party Fs
proposal and determined to schedule another meeting to discuss these issues. The Committee and its advisors explored potential ways to leverage certain of the conditions and demands included in Party Fs proposal, including Party Fs
demand for a 30-day period of exclusivity, to attempt to convince Party F to increase its price per share proposal. The Committee then invited Messrs. Pell, Harte and Williams to join the meeting to discuss Party Fs proposal.
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101. The Proxy fails to disclose the impact of the TRA on discussions with Party F discussed
between the Special Committee and its advisors on July 5, 2012, as well as the assumptions regarding the TRA underlying Party Fs proposal and the other terms and conditions proposed by Party F discussed on that date.
102. The Proxy at page 35 states:
Later on July 10, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by representatives of Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the Committees request. The Committee discussed the
counterproposal made by Messrs. Pell and Younes with respect to the TRA and whether it would be advisable to request that they waive additional portions of the payments to which they otherwise would be entitled under the TRA. Following discussions,
the Committee determined not to request additional concessions from Messrs. Pell and Younes given the potential closeness in value from Party Fs point of view of the counterproposal made by Messrs. Pell and Younes and the Committees
initial request, the longstanding and preexisting nature of Artio Globals contractual obligations under the TRA, the unlikelihood that Messrs. Pell and Younes would agree to additional voluntary concessions and the potential adverse impact of
further negotiations with Messrs. Pell and Younes on the potential timetable for negotiations with Party F. Following discussion, the Committee directed representatives of Goldman Sachs to inform Party F that the Committee sought an increase in
Party Fs offer price from $3.75 per share to $4.25 per share, with at least $2.25 per share in cash, and that, in exchange, Messrs. Pell and Younes were willing to forgo the next $15 million in payments to which they otherwise would be
entitled pursuant to the TRA. The Committee also directed Goldman Sachs to emphasize to Party F that the Committee was prepared to work quickly with Party F toward a completed transaction.
103. The Proxy fails to disclose why the Special Committee believed that it was unlikely that Pell and Younes would agree to further
concessions regarding their TRA with the Company.
104. The Proxy at page 37:
On August 5, 2012, the Committee held a telephonic meeting attended by Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte and representatives of
Goldman Sachs and Davis Polk at the invitation of the Committee. Goldman Sachs reported that Party Fs advisor had informed Goldman Sachs that Party F was having difficulty arriving at a valuation that could justify its original, preliminary
offer of $3.75 per share, much less the counterproposal presented by the Committee. Party Fs advisor had identified a number of additional issues relating to, among other things, the TRA, potential employee retention arrangements, adequate
deal conditionality, and levels of expense caps and issues arising from a proposed replacement of the board of trustees of Artio Globals mutual funds, all of which would need to be resolved to Party Fs satisfaction before Party F could
move forward with any potential transaction (even if the parties could agree on a revised offer price). The Committee, its advisors and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte discussed the issues raised by, and potential responses to, Party F, along with
certain clarifications sought by the Committee. The Committee also discussed with its advisors and senior management the viability of Artio Globals stand-alone plan, the various challenges Artio Global likely would face were it to remain
independent, and the value to Artio Globals shareholders under its stand-alone plan as compared to a potential transaction with Party F at different prices. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs and Messrs. Pell, Williams and Harte to engage
Party F expeditiously and to discuss, in accordance with the Committees instructions at the meeting, the open issues necessary for both parties to further assess the potential desirability of a potential transaction.
105. The Proxy fails to disclose material information regarding Party Fs issues on August 5, 2012 regarding a potential
acquisition of the Company, including issues relating to the TRA. Additionally, the Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the identity of the ten entities with which the Company had prior communications and were subsequently contacted by Goldman Sachs
between August 18, 2012 and December 26, 2012; and (ii) the reasons for why these entities were chosen; and (iii) whether the Special Committee or Goldman Sachs contacted them.
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Similarly, the Proxy fails to disclose material information regarding the thirty-eight (38) potential strategic buyers who held talks with Goldman Sachs between August 18, 2012 and
December 26, 2012. Specifically, the Proxy fails to disclose how many of the thirty-eight entities were solicited by the Company or its advisors, who selected such parties, what criteria was used in the selection of these parties and whether
Aberdeen was a party contacted or which unilaterally contacted the Company.
106. The Proxy at page 60 states:
At the Committees direction, Artio Globals management prepared certain other non-public financial projections, which were not
intended for public disclosure, but which were provided to the Committee to assist in its consideration of Artio Globals strategic alternatives. The tables set forth below include summaries of these projections, which include (1) the
2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Base Case and the 2012 Pro Forma Stand-Alone Downside Case, which were prepared in January of 2012, and (2) the 2013/2014 Base Case and the 2013/2014 Downside Case,
which were prepared in February of 2013. The Committee directed Goldman Sachs
107. The Proxy fails to disclose the rationale
for the Special Committee directing Goldman Sachs to utilize the 2013/2014 Base Case projections in their financial analyses.
108. The Proxy states at page 61:
During the course of discussions between Artio Global and Aberdeen, Artio Global provided Aberdeen with certain summary financial data, including certain profit and loss statements and summary balance
sheets. These materials did not contain full financial projections, but included certain forward-looking run-rate estimates, as of November 30, 2012. The tables set forth below include a summary of certain of these projections, referred to as
November 30 Run-Rate Estimates, which were prepared in December of 2012 and related to all of Artio Globals investment teams. During the period of its negotiations with Artio Global, Aberdeen received periodic updates to the AUM
and revenue run rates to account for known changes in AUM.
109. The Proxy fails to disclose the updates to the November
30 Run-Rate Estimates that the Company gave to Aberdeen during negotiations.
Goldman Sachs Fairness Opinion
110. In addition, the Proxy fails to disclose material information concerning the key data and inputs relied upon by Goldman Sachs, the
Companys financial advisor, in rendering its Fairness Opinion, including:
a. In the
Illustrative Future Trading
Price Analysis,
performed by Goldman Sachs, the Proxy fails to disclose: (i) Goldman Sachs rationale for calculating both the Market Cap/RR Revenues and the Premium to BV/RR Revenues during the period of
December 2011 through February 2013; (ii) the projected investment management fees utilized in the analysis; (iii) the definition of run-rate revenue; (iv) the average diluted shares outstanding for years 2013 and 2014;
and (v) the inputs and assumptions used by Goldman Sachs to derive a discount rate of 18% in the analysis;
b. In the
Selected Companies Analysis,
performed by Goldman Sachs, the Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the multiples for each of the comparable public companies selected by Goldman Sachs including, Enterprise Value (EV)/ 2013E Revenue,
EV/2013E 2014 Revenue and EV/ 2013E Assets Under Management (AUM); and (ii) what was the specific amount of excess working capital used to adjust the Companys enterprise value;
c. In the
Selected Precedent Transactions Analysis,
performed by Goldman Sachs, the Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the
multiples for each of the precedent transactions selected by Goldman Sachs including, EV/ 2013E Revenue, EV/ 2014 Revenue and EV/ 2013E AUM; (ii) the rationale for Goldman Sachs choice of using
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equity value instead of enterprise value to derive its multiples for each of the target companies in the precedent transactions; and (iii) the definition of run-rate multiples
used by Goldman Sachs in the analysis; and
d. In the
Illustrative Forecast Sensitivity Analysis,
performed by Goldman
Sachs, the Proxy fails to disclose: (i) the projected Company expenses utilized in the analysis; and (ii) the amount the analysis reduced these expenses by, as well as, the method utilized to arrive at this amount of reduction.
111. Further, the Proxy fails to disclose the unvested equity awards held by the non-management members of the Board that will vest
pursuant to consummation of the Buyout as well as the value of these equity awards.
112. Similarly, the Proxy fails to
disclose the Special Committees rationale for not engaging in a second fairness opinion from a different financial advisor in light of Goldman Sachs extensive business relationship with Mitsubishi, an approximately 19% stockholder of
Aberdeen.
113. This information listed above is essential to Artios stockholders. Without such material information,
Artios shareholders will be unable to make a fully informed vote whether to vote in favor or against the Buyout. The Proxy must disclose all material information prior to the Company holding a stockholder vote on the Buyout.
114. Accordingly, Plaintiff seeks injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent the irreparable injury that Company stockholders will
continue to suffer absent judicial intervention.
THE FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS
115. By reason of the Individual Defendants positions as officers and/or directors of the Company, the Individual Defendants are in
a fiduciary relationship with Plaintiff and the other stockholders of Artio and owe Plaintiff and the other members of the Class (defined herein) the duties of good faith, fair dealing, loyalty and full and complete disclosure.
116. Specifically, in a situation where the directors of a publicly traded company undertake a transaction that may result in a change in
corporate control, the directors must take all steps reasonably required to maximize the value stockholders will receive rather than use a change-of-control to benefit themselves, and to disclose all material information concerning the proposed
change-of-control to enable the stockholders to make an informed voting decision. To diligently comply with this duty, the directors of a corporation may not take any action that:
a. adversely affects the value provided to the corporations stockholders;
b. contractually prohibits them from complying with or carrying out their fiduciary duties;
c. discourages or inhibits alternative offers to purchase control of the corporation or its assets;
d. will otherwise adversely affect their duty to search for and secure the best value reasonably available under the circumstances for
the corporations stockholders;
e. will otherwise adversely affect their duty to search for and secure the best value
reasonably available under the circumstances for the corporations stockholders; or
f. will provide the directors and/or
officers with preferential treatment at the expense of, or separate from, the public stockholders.
L-19
117. In accordance with their duties of loyalty and good faith, the Individual Defendants,
as directors and/or officers of Artio, are obligated to:
a. determine whether a proposed sale of the Company is in the
stockholders best interests;
b. maximize shareholder value by considering all bona fide offers or strategic
alternatives, including the Buyout; and
c. refrain from implementing unreasonable measures designed to protect a transaction
to the exclusion of a more beneficial deal and from participating in any transaction in which their loyalties are divided.
118. Plaintiff alleges herein that the Individual Defendants, separately and together, in connection with the Buyout, have violated and
are continuing to violate the fiduciary duties they owe to Plaintiff and the Companys other public stockholders, including the duties of loyalty, good faith, due care and complete candor.
CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS
119. Plaintiff brings this action as a class action pursuant to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §901,
et seq.
, individually and on behalf of all persons and/or entities that own Artio
common stock (the Class). Excluded from the Class are Defendants and their affiliates, immediate families, legal representatives, heirs, successors or assigns and any entity in which Defendants have or had a controlling interest.
120. The action is properly maintainable as a class action because, inter alia:
a. The Class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable. While the exact number of Class members is unknown to Plaintiff
at this time and can only be ascertained through discovery, Plaintiff believes that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of stockholders who are geographically dispersed throughout the United States;
b. There are questions of law and fact are common to the Class, including,
inter alia,
the following:
(i) whether the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties of undivided loyalty or due care with respect to Plaintiff
and the other members of the Class in connection with the Buyout;
(ii) whether the Individual Defendants breached their
fiduciary duty to secure and obtain the best price reasonable under the circumstances for the benefit of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class in connection with the Buyout;
(iii) whether the Individual Defendants misrepresented and omitted material facts in violation of their fiduciary duties owed by them to
Plaintiff and the other members of the Class;
(iv) whether the Individual Defendants have disclosed and will disclose all
material facts in connection with the Buyout;
(v) whether the Individual Defendants, in bad faith and for improper motives,
impeded or erected barriers to discourage other strategic alternatives including offers from interested parties for the Company or its assets;
(vi) whether Plaintiff and the other members of the Class would be irreparably harmed were the transactions complained of herein consummated;
(vii) whether Aberdeen, and Merger Sub aided and abetted the Individual Defendants breaches of fiduciary duty; and
L-20
(viii) whether the Class is entitled to injunctive relief or damages as a result of
defendants wrongful conduct.
c. Plaintiffs claims are typical of the claims of the other members of the Class.
Plaintiff and the other members of the Class have sustained damages as a result of Defendants wrongful conduct as alleged herein;
d. Plaintiff will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the Class, and has no interests contrary to or in conflict with those of the Class that Plaintiff seeks to represent.
121. A class action is superior to all other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of this controversy. Plaintiff
knows of no difficulty to be encountered in the management of this action that would preclude its maintenance as a class action.
AS AND FOR A FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against the Individual Defendants for Breach of Fiduciary Duty)
122. Plaintiff repeats all previous allegations as if set forth in full herein.
123. The Individual Defendants have knowingly and recklessly and in bad faith violated fiduciary duties of care and loyalty owed to the
public stockholders of Artio and have acted to put their personal interests ahead of the interests of Artio stockholders.
124. The Individual Defendants recommendation of the Buyout will result in change-of-control of the Company which imposes
heightened fiduciary responsibilities to maximize Artios value for the benefit of the stockholders and requires enhanced scrutiny by the Court.
125. The Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty, good faith, and independence owed to the stockholders of Artio because, among other reasons:
a. they failed to take steps to maximize the value of Artio to its public stockholders and took steps to avoid competitive bidding;
b. they failed to properly value Artio;
c. they ignored or did not protect against the numerous conflicts of interest resulting from the directors own interrelationships or connection with the Buyout; and
d. they failed to disclose to Plaintiff and the Class all the material information necessary to the decisions confronting Artios
stockholders.
126. The Individual Defendants have breached their fiduciary duty through materially inadequate disclosures and
material disclosure omissions.
127. As a result of the Individual Defendants breaches of their fiduciary duties,
Plaintiff and the Class will suffer irreparable injury in that they have not and will not receive their fair portion of the value of Artios assets and will be prevented from benefiting from a value-maximizing transaction.
128. Unless enjoined by this Court, the Individual Defendants will continue to breach their fiduciary duties owed to Plaintiff and the
Class, and may consummate the Buyout, to the irreparable harm of the Class.
L-21
129. Plaintiff and the Class have no adequate remedy at law.
AS AND FOR A SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION
(Against Aberdeen and Merger Sub for Aiding and Abetting
the
Individual Defendants Breaches of Fiduciary Duties)
130. Plaintiff repeats all previous allegations as if set
forth in full herein.
131. Aberdeen and Merger Sub (the Entities) knowingly aided and abetted the Individual
Defendants wrongdoing alleged herein. The Entities are active and necessary participants in the Individual Defendants plan to complete the Buyout on terms that are unfair to Artio stockholders, as Aberdeen seeks to pay as little as
possible to Artio stockholders under unfair terms to Plaintiff and the members of the Class.
132. The Entities rendered
substantial assistance in the Buyout, by entering into the Merger Agreement, without which the Buyout would not be consummated.
133. As a result of this conduct by the Entities, Plaintiff and the other members of the Class have and will be damaged by being denied
the opportunity to increase the value of their investments in Artio.
134. Plaintiff and the members of the Class have no
adequate remedy at law.
WHEREFORE
, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants jointly and severally, as follows:
A. Declaring this action to be a class action and certifying Plaintiff as the Class representatives and his counsel as Class
counsel;
B. Enjoining, preliminarily and permanently, the Buyout;
C. In the event that the transaction is consummated prior to the entry of this Courts final judgment, rescinding it or awarding
Plaintiff and the Class rescissory damages;
D. Directing that Defendants account to Plaintiff and the other members of the
Class for all damages caused by them and account for all profits and any special benefits obtained as a result of their breaches of their fiduciary duties;
E. Awarding Plaintiff the costs of this action, including a reasonable allowance for the fees and expenses of Plaintiffs attorneys and experts; and
F. Granting Plaintiff and the other members of the Class such further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
L-22
JURY DEMAND
Plaintiff demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
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Dated: March 25, 2013
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GARDY & NOTIS, LLP
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/s/ Jennifer Sarnelli
Jennifer Sarnelli
James S. Notis
501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1408
New York, New York
10017
Tel: 212-905-0509
Fax:
212-905-0508
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GARDY & NOTIS, LLP
Charles A. Germershausen
560 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 07632
Tel: 201-567-7377
Fax: 201-567-7337
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RYAN & MANISKAS, LLP
Richard A. Maniskas
995 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 311
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087
Tel:
484-588-5516
Fax: 484-450-2582
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Attorneys for Plaintiff
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L-23
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VOTE BY INTERNET -
www.proxyvote.com
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS
INC.
330 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10017
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Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the Annual Meeting date. Please have your proxy card in hand when you access
www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions provided to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
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VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
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Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the Annual Meeting date. Please have your proxy card in hand when you call
and then follow the instructions.
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VOTE BY MAIL
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Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, Artio Global Investors Inc. c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way,
Edgewood, NY 11717. This card must be received before the polls close on the Annual Meeting date to be counted.
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
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M55675-P39524
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
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THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
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ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
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For
All
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Withhold
All
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For All
Except
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the
line below.
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the election of all of the following director nominees:
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O
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O
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O
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4.
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Election of Directors
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Nominees:
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01) Robert Jackson
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02) Duane Kullberg
03) Christopher Wright
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Note:
The numbering of the proposals reflects the order of such proposals in the attached
proxy statement.
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For
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Against
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Abstain
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposals:
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1.
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To adopt and approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as
of February 13, 2013, as it may be amended from time to time, among Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, Guardian Acquisition Corporation, and Artio Global Investors Inc.
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O
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O
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O
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2.
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To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation
that may be paid or become payable to Artio Global Investors Inc.s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the Merger.
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O
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O
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O
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3.
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To adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later time, if necessary or
appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in the event there are insufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement.
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O
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O
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O
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5.
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To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation
to Artio Global Investors Inc.s named executive officers as disclosed in the section of the attached proxy statement entitled Executive Compensation.
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O
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O
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O
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6.
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To adopt the amended and restated stock incentive plan to
provide for qualifying performance-based awards under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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O
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O
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O
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7.
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To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as Artio Global Investors
Inc.s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December
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O
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O
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O
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For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and
write them on the back where indicated.
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O
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Please indicate if you plan to attend the Annual
Meeting.
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O
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O
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Yes
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No
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s)
hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If you are a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or
partnership name by authorized officer.
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]
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Date
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Signature (Joint Owners)
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Date
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Important Notice Regarding Where You Can Find Additional Information Regarding the Annual Meeting:
The Proxy Statement (attached) and Artio Globals Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 are
available at
www.proxyvote.com
, on Artio Globals Investor Relations website:
www.ir.artioglobal.com
and the SECs website:
www.sec.gov
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M55676-P39524
ARTIO GLOBAL INVESTORS INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 16,
2013, 1:00 P.M. (EASTERN TIME)
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Dear
Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2013 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders (Annual Meeting) of Artio Global Investors Inc. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 1:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, 450 Lexington
Avenue, New York, NY 10017. You hereby appoint RACHEL BRAVERMAN and FRANCIS HARTE as proxies, each with full power to act alone and with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side, all shares of Class A
common stock of Artio Global Investors Inc., held of record by you on April 8, 2013, at the Annual Meeting and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of
Artio Global Investors Inc. This proxy, when properly executed and returned, will be voted in accordance with the instructions given on the reverse side. If no instructions are given, this proxy will be voted FOR the adoption and
approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 13, 2013, as it may be amended from time to time, among Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, Guardian Acquisition Company, and Artio Global Investors Inc. (Proposal 1),
FOR the election of all nominees for director listed in Proposal 4; and FOR Proposals 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. In addition, the proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof.
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Address Changes/Comments:
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(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
SPECIFY CHOICES AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE
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